Local Jewish News

A new and exciting way for Jewish American families to manage their healthcare costs is finally a reality.

United Refuah HealthShare is now recognized as a Healthcare Sharing Ministry, making them the first and only Jewish health-sharing option, and giving the opportunity to members of the Jewish faith to share their medical expenses with each other.

Health-sharing is a way of facilitating the sharing of healthcare costs among individuals who have a common ethical or religious belief system. In the 1980’s state laws and regulations officially recognized Healthcare Sharing Ministries and for over three decades, other groups have successfully practiced medical cost sharing. Currently, hundreds of thousands of families nationwide are using health-sharing and now United Refuah HealthShare is expanding health-sharing to the Jewish Community nationwide.

Members make suggested monthly contributions to their RefuahShare Account based on family size. This contribution, less administrative costs, remains in the account to be used to share in member’s eligible medical expenses. When a member encounters an eligible medical expense, the funds are shared from other members’ accounts to the account of the member in need and promptly paid to the care provider.

In addition to facilitating the sharing of eligible expenses, United Refuah HealthShare also focuses on the health of their members. They emphasize the Torah principles of maintaining health and wellness and they respect each member’s choice of providers. Recognizing how daunting the world of healthcare can be, United Refuah HealthShare helps members navigate through their options while advocating for them and negotiating on their behalf.

As a non-profit organization, United Refuah HealthShare keeps administrative costs low and 86% of each member’s funds goes directly to share medical expenses. Their members commit to living healthier lifestyles which generally results in fewer preventable medical incidences, lower costs per medical incident, and quicker recoveries. The advisory services offered through United Refuah HealthShare assist members in navigating the healthcare system, to and help members obtain the best combination of care quality and cost of service. Additionally, members do not share the expenses for procedures that run contrary to members’ values or are unnecessary.

United Refuah HealthShare is not an insurance company. It simply unites like-minded individuals to help one another by sharing in each other’s medical expenses.

For more information or to become a member, visit UnitedRefuahHS.org or call 440-772- 0700.

You can also download a brochure here.