Switching to Health Sharing: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making the switch from traditional insurance to health sharing is a big decision. To help you transition smoothly, we've created this step-by-step guide based on the experiences of thousands of families who've made the switch.

Step 1: Research and Compare

Before making any changes, do your homework:

What to research:

• Health sharing vs. traditional insurance
• Different health sharing programs
• First Health network coverage
• Member reviews and testimonials
• Cost comparisons for your family

Resources:

• Read our Health Sharing vs. Insurance Comparison
• Review member testimonials on our site
• Call our team at 1-800-555-1234
• Get a free quote to see your potential savings

Time investment: 2–4 hours

Step 2: Assess Your Family's Needs

Determine what coverage is right for your family:

Questions to answer:

• How many family members need coverage?
• What is your current healthcare usage?
• Do you have chronic conditions?
• Are you planning pregnancy?
• What is your budget?

Our recommendation:

• Single adult → Individual Plan ($289/month)
• Couple → Couple Plan ($449/month)
• Family with children → Family Plan ($599/month)

Time investment: 30 minutes

Step 3: Get a Free Quote

See your potential savings:

What you'll learn:

• Your specific monthly contribution
• Estimated annual savings
• Coverage details for your situation
• Answers to your questions

How to get a quote:

• Fill out our quote form
• Call 1-800-555-1234
• Chat with a specialist

Time investment: 15 minutes

Step 4: Verify Your Providers Are In-Network

Make sure your doctors accept health sharing:

How to verify:

• Search the First Health provider directory
• Call your current providers
• Ask if they accept health sharing
• Confirm they're in the First Health network

What if your provider isn't in-network?

• Find an alternative provider in the network
• Ask your current provider if they'll join the network
• Consider the provider switch as part of your transition

Time investment: 30 minutes – 1 hour

Step 5: Plan Your Transition Timing

Choose the right time to switch:

Best times to switch:

• Beginning of the month (easier billing)
• After you've met your current insurance deductible
• Before a planned medical procedure (if covered)
• When your current insurance renews

Things to avoid:

• Don't switch mid-treatment
• Don't switch during a medical emergency
• Don't switch if you have pending claims

Real example: The Johnson family switched in February after meeting their insurance deductible in January. This maximized their savings for the year.

Time investment: 1 hour (planning)

Step 6: Notify Your Current Insurance

Give proper notice:

What to do:

• Contact your current insurance company
• Provide notice of cancellation
• Ask about final bills or claims
• Request records of your coverage

Important: Don't cancel until your health sharing coverage is active.

Time investment: 30 minutes

Step 7: Complete the Enrollment Process

Join health sharing:

Enrollment steps:

1. Complete the online application
2. Provide family information
3. Select your plan (Individual/Couple/Family)
4. Review and accept terms
5. Make your first payment
6. Receive your membership card

What you'll need:

• Family member names and birthdates
• Social Security numbers
• Current health information
• Payment method

Time investment: 30 minutes – 1 hour

Step 8: Receive Your Membership Materials

Get ready to use your coverage:

What you'll receive:

• Membership card (physical and digital)
• Welcome packet with program details
• Provider directory access
• 24/7 virtual care information
• Member portal login credentials

What to do:

• Review all materials carefully
• Download the member app
• Set up your member portal account
• Program the 24/7 virtual care number

Time investment: 1 hour

Step 9: Schedule Your First Appointment

Establish care with a primary care doctor:

What to do:

• Find a PCP in the network
• Call to schedule an appointment
• Bring your membership card
• Bring your family health records

First appointment topics:

• Introduce yourself and your family
• Share your health history
• Discuss chronic conditions
• Review medications
• Establish ongoing care plan

Time investment: 1 hour (scheduling) + appointment time

Step 10: Transition Your Prescriptions

Move your medications to health sharing:

What to do:

• Check the free prescription list
• Ask your doctor to transfer prescriptions
• Choose retail or mail order pharmacy
• Set up automatic refills if available

Tips:

• Mail order is often cheaper for regular medications
• Retail is convenient for urgent needs
• Generic medications are usually free

Time investment: 30 minutes

Step 11: Update Your Records

Ensure all your information is current:

What to update:

• Provider contact information
• Emergency contacts
• Medication list
• Allergy information
• Insurance information (with employers, etc.)

Where to update:

• Member portal
• Provider offices
• Employer records (if applicable)

Time investment: 30 minutes

Step 12: Familiarize Yourself with Your Coverage

Learn how to use your benefits:

What to learn:

• How to access 24/7 virtual care
• How to find providers
• How to submit claims (if needed)
• How to access the member portal
• How to use partner discounts

Resources:

• Member portal tutorials
• Welcome materials
• 24/7 customer support
• Member community forums

Time investment: 1–2 hours

Step 13: Make Your First Virtual Care Visit

Get comfortable with the process:

Why do this:

• Test the system before you need it
• Get comfortable with the process
• Ask questions about your coverage
• Build confidence in your new coverage

How to make a visit:

• Call the 24/7 virtual care line
• Use the member app
• Schedule a video visit
• Speak with a doctor

Time investment: 30 minutes

Step 14: Evaluate After 30 Days

Check in on your transition:

Questions to ask:

• Are you comfortable with your new coverage?
• Have you found a good PCP?
• Are your providers in-network?
• Do you have any unanswered questions?
• Are you experiencing any issues?

If you have concerns:

• Contact customer support
• Speak with a specialist
• Request a follow-up consultation

Time investment: 30 minutes

The Transition Timeline

Total time investment: 10–15 hours over 2–4 weeks

Week 1:

• Research and compare
• Get a free quote
• Verify providers

Week 2:

• Plan transition timing
• Notify current insurance
• Complete enrollment

Week 3:

• Receive membership materials
• Set up member portal
• Schedule first appointment

Week 4:

• Transition prescriptions
• Update records
• Familiarize yourself with coverage

Common Concerns During Transition

"What if I have pending claims with my old insurance?"

• Contact your old insurance to process claims
• Keep your old insurance active until claims are resolved
• Ask about claim deadlines

"What if I need care during the transition?"

• Use your old insurance until it ends
• Your new health sharing coverage begins on your effective date
• There should be no gap in coverage

"What if I have questions during the transition?"

• Call our team at 1-800-555-1234
• Use the member portal chat
• Email [email protected]

The Bottom Line

Switching to health sharing is a straightforward process. By following these 14 steps, you can:

✓ Make an informed decision ✓ Transition smoothly ✓ Minimize disruption ✓ Start saving immediately ✓ Build confidence in your new coverage

Ready to make the switch? Get a free quote today and start your transition to health sharing.

This guide is based on best practices and member experiences. Individual transitions may vary. Contact our team for personalized guidance.