The Massachusetts Health Connector’s report on Health Care Sharing Ministries (HCSMs) for 2022 and 2023 looks at the growing use of these religious-based health plans, whose membership rose 30% from 2019 to 2022. Unlike insurance plans under the ACA, HCSMs don’t have to cover pre-existing conditions or essential health services. They may also charge extra fees or penalties for certain personal choices. The report found that in 2022, only 50% of the medical bills submitted by members were approved for sharing. It stresses the need to teach residents about the limits of HCSMs, especially as many people move from Medicaid to private coverage, so they can make better decisions and avoid risks. The Health Connector is focused on collecting better data to update the state’s health coverage rules.
Published March 2025
