Liberty HealthShare Sees Surge in Interest as ACA Premiums Jump 26%

Millions of Americans opening their 2026 health insurance enrollment letters were met by sharp premium increases this winter. Health policy research from KFF shows insurers will charge 26% more on average for ACA Marketplace coverage next year, driving many households to explore alternatives to health insurance plans.

The increases vary significantly by geography and demographics. North Carolina residents face premium hikes ranging from 16% to 34%. Ohio sees increases between 13% and 17%. Texas and Florida premiums rise by 35% and 34% respectively, while Pennsylvania households encounter 21% increases.

These percentages translate into substantial dollar amounts for families already managing tight budgets. The situation becomes more complex as enhanced tax credits expired on December 31, 2025. Without these temporary subsidies, some premiums could more than double, according to KFF research.

Families attempting to reduce costs by selecting lower-tier plans discover another obstacle: deductibles exceeding $7,000 before insurance companies contribute to medical expenses. This combination of high premiums and substantial out-of-pocket requirements has prompted thousands to investigate healthcare sharing ministries.

Healthcare Sharing Ministries Gain Attention

Liberty HealthShare, a faith-based healthcare sharing ministry established in 1995, reports unprecedented interest from prospective members seeking ways to manage rising insurance costs.

“Our inquiries from prospective members are at levels we haven’t seen since the Obamacare tax penalty ended,” said Chief Executive Officer Dorsey Morrow. “Inquiries in November 2025 were up more than 300% compared to November 2024.”

The ministry operates on the biblical principle of bearing one another’s burdens, with voluntary monthly contributions from members funding the sharing of eligible medical expenses within the community. This model differs fundamentally from insurance companies answerable to shareholders and profit margins.

Sustained Growth Demonstrates Member Satisfaction

The spike in inquiries translates into tangible enrollment growth. Liberty HealthShare has experienced increasing monthly enrollment for 27 consecutive months compared to the previous year. November 2025 monthly enrollment reached the highest level in more than three years, with December trending even stronger.

This sustained growth pattern suggests members find value in the healthcare sharing model beyond initial cost savings. The ministry distinguishes itself through operational transparency, making annual audit reports, IRS Form 990 documents, and sharing guidelines publicly accessible.

Liberty HealthShare holds both Candid’s 2025 GuideStar Gold Seal and Charity Navigator’s 4-Star rating for accountability among nonprofit organizations. The Better Business Bureau accredits the ministry with an A+ rating. These credentials position Liberty HealthShare as the only healthcare sharing organization in the United States achieving this combination of third-party validations.

“People are figuring out that healthsharing, while it isn’t insurance, is an affordable alternative to sky high premiums and out-of-pocket expenses,” Morrow said. “If you’re paying $12,000 before the insurance company pays a cent, it’s like you don’t have insurance at all.”

Financial Performance and Member Savings

The ministry’s 2024 financial performance demonstrates the practical impact of its cost-sharing model. Through negotiations with healthcare providers via third party vendors, Liberty HealthShare repriced over $454 million in billed medical charges down to approximately $154 million. This repricing delivered more than $300 million in aggregate savings for members sharing eligible medical expenses.

The ministry’s track record extends beyond a single year. Since 2014, Liberty HealthShare has facilitated nearly $5 billion in eligible, repriced medical expenses for its members. The current average timeframe for members to begin sharing into eligible medical expenses ranges from 30 to 45 days.

Program Structure and Accessibility

Liberty HealthShare offers six medical cost-sharing programs designed to accommodate diverse budgets and family situations. Suggested monthly share amounts for individuals range from $87 to $362, while families of four can begin participation at $319 monthly.

Most programs include urgent care access and mental wellness telehealth visits without additional costs, along with prescription drug discounts. The ministry also operates Liberty Dental, a supplemental dental sharing program with suggested monthly shares starting at $35, and Liberty Vision, with suggested shares beginning at $7 monthly for individuals.

Unlike insurance plans restricted to annual enrollment periods, Liberty HealthShare welcomes new members year-round without requiring qualifying life events because the ministry is not insurance. This flexibility allows families to respond immediately to changing financial circumstances rather than waiting months for enrollment windows.

Morrow acknowledges the model doesn’t suit everyone. He encourages prospective members to review the ministry’s Sharing Guidelines to understand which medical expenses qualify for sharing and which do not. Healthcare sharing ministries operate without the mandates governing ACA plans, creating both flexibility and limitations.

“The rising costs of healthcare and insurance premiums are a concern for families and businesses alike,” Morrow said. “At Liberty HealthShare, we offer a more affordable way for Christians to manage their healthcare needs. Everyone deserves access to affordable healthcare options that align with their values.”

The ministry maintains approximately 160 team members who work with members to understand healthcare decisions and challenge provider charges when appropriate. This hands-on approach contrasts with passive insurance models where members receive bills without cost analysis or treatment evaluation.

Prospective members can schedule phone consultations or complete an online program quiz to determine which sharing program best fits their circumstances and budget at the ministry’s website.