Liberty HealthShare wants its members to know they’re not alone — especially during challenging times. Healthcare costs are estimated to increase approximately 8% this year if you get insurance through a job or a large insurance group, and 7.5% if you buy insurance on your own, according to PwC, creating financial pressure for many families. Liberty HealthShare offers a faith-based alternative focused on community support and personal connection, with suggested monthly share amounts starting at $89 for individuals and $319 for families.
While healthcare expenses continue climbing nationwide, Liberty HealthShare works proactively to help members manage costs. The ministry partners with multiple specialized vendors who negotiate with medical providers to control expenses.
“This is something that we have been very proactive with over the past three, three and a half years,” explains Chief Executive Officer Dorsey Morrow. “Since we serve as a facilitator on behalf of our members, we don’t have reserves, we don’t have unallocated contributions left over each month, we have to be very intentional in how we set contributions.”
Liberty HealthShare studies current and historical sharing patterns monthly while forecasting trends to understand cost trajectories.
Liberty HealthShare member Jen Lamb appreciates the ministry’s method of using multiple vendors for fairer pricing. “They also do the work of trying to lower the cost of medical bills instead of making me do it,” Lamb said in a Liberty HealthShare review.
Human Connection When Members Need It Most
Liberty HealthShare distinguishes itself through personal relationships and spiritual support. The ministry’s approximately 165 team members include nurses who understand medical complexities and guide members through healthcare decisions.
Staff regularly pray with and for members facing challenges. “We have a list that is distributed internally every Friday of prayer requests from our members,” Morrow shares. “Whether it’s with the member or for the member, we are about prayer. We strongly believe in that here.”
For Don Winslett, this compassionate approach made a significant difference during his prostate cancer treatment. “It’s still hard for me to believe how powerful the Liberty HealthShare community was. It really worked out well for me,” Winslett explained. His $58,000 in eligible medical costs were shared by fellow members.
“It was always a little difficult for me dealing with the insurance companies because to them you truly are just a number,” Winslett reflected. “Liberty HealthShare is the conduit, but it was my fellow members who shared my eligible medical expenses. For them, I’m very thankful.”
Flexible Programs for Diverse Needs
Liberty HealthShare recognizes that requirements vary widely. The ministry offers six different sharing programs, plus a supplemental dental sharing program with suggested monthly shares beginning at $35.
“We’ve got a number of programs so that somebody can select whatever works best for their family,” Morrow explains. “With the healthcare sharing ministry and Liberty HealthShare in particular, you can join our membership, and if you determine it doesn’t work for you, you’re not locked into it.”
Members maintain provider choice freedom. While Liberty HealthShare encourages its members to utilize providers who participate in the PHCS network to help control costs, members have the freedom to see any provider they choose.
“There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to healthcare,” Morrow states. “We understand that.”
Compassionate Care for Unique Circumstances
Liberty HealthShare member Terri Holman shared how the ministry made a difference in her and her husband’s lives during a difficult time. “Hubby was diagnosed with cancer in 2019 and Liberty HealthShare helped us with payment and negotiations with the hospital to pay the astronomical expenses that come with a major health diagnosis,” Holman said.
Liberty HealthShare values member feedback and continuously refines operations based on input. The ministry conducts surveys every six months to assess needs and satisfaction.
“We want to have that constant reevaluation, constant look at the programs that we offer, how we do it, what we’re doing, how we’re servicing our members,” Morrow comments.
“The dental program was actually generated from one of our members, ‘I would love to have this.’ And we started exploring and, ‘Oh, wow, that is a great idea. Let’s do it.'”
Looking Forward
The ministry encourages members to take active roles in healthcare decisions, questioning costs and treatment options. This engagement can improve quality while reducing expenses across the system. Morrow expresses optimism about Liberty HealthShare’s future.
“Our focus at Liberty HealthShare is on our members,” he concludes. “We are here to help facilitate sharing between our members. We are not driven by profit. It’s frankly our goal to go broke each month. The contributions coming in should be the contributions that go out.”
This article appears in Apr 16-29, 2025.