Healthcare Sharing Ministry (HCSM)
A healthcare sharing ministry is a 501(c)(3) health coverage organization that distributes healthcare expenses across the organization’s members. Enrollment criteria varies among HCSMs and eligibility typically involves agreement with the religious and moral beliefs of the HCSM.
Because of it nature and operation, a healthcare sharing ministry is technically not insurance even though it functions in some ways that are similar to traditional health insurance. HCSMs also do not have the regulatory oversight of traditional health insurance plans.