If you’re looking for a more affordable way to manage healthcare costs in retirement without high premiums, Medi-Share 65+ might be the right fit.
Instead of traditional Medicare Supplement Insurance, it offers a cost-sharing model that helps members cover expenses while keeping costs low.
In this article, we will answer the question “How does Medi-Share work?”, explain why it’s an effective alternative to Medigap, and walk you through the enrollment process.
Already know Medi-Share 65+ is right for you? Take me directly to the Self-Enrollment!
What is Medi-Share 65+?
Medi-Share 65+ is a health-sharing program designed for Medicare recipients who want a simple, affordable alternative to traditional Medicare Supplement Insurance.
Unlike insurance, it operates as a faith-based, non-profit community where members share medical expenses. By pooling resources, members help cover each other’s healthcare costs, keeping expenses lower than conventional Medicare plans.
Cost Sharing Structure
To better understand how Medi-Share works, let’s take a closer look at its cost-sharing structure and how expenses are covered.
With Medi-Share 65+, you pay the first $500 per household each year for services approved but not covered by Medicare Parts A and B. After meeting this amount, Medi-Share covers 100% of the remaining eligible costs, eliminating additional deductibles, copays, or coinsurance for Medicare-approved services. This structure resembles Medigap Plan G, which covers all costs under Parts A and B except for the Part B deductible, which is $257 per individual in 2025.
Medi-Share 65+ offers comparable cost-sharing benefits at a lower monthly cost. As of 2025, the monthly share is $99 for members aged 65 to 74, and $150 for those 75 and older.
Low Out-of-Pocket Maximums Compared to Medicare Advantage
It also has much lower maximum out-of-pocket cost exposure than most Medicare Advantage plans.
As of 2025, the out-of-pocket maximum for Medicare Advantage plans varies by individual plan, with a federal limit set at $8,850 for in-network services. Plans may offer lower maximum out-of-pocket limits, often accompanied by higher premiums.
Max Out-of-Pocket Exposure by Plan (2024)
| Plan | Max Out-of-Pocket/Year |
|---|---|
| Medi-Share 65+ | $500 per household |
| Medigap Plan G | $257 per individual (Part B Deductible) |
| Medicare Advantage | Varies, but up to $8,850 |
Note: Most Medicare Advantage plans, but not all, include Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. Neither Medigap nor Medi-Share 65+ include prescription drug coverage. Most people in these plans purchase a separate, standalone Medicare Part D plan.
Click here to learn more about Medicare Part D Prescription drug plans, or enroll.
Get a Free Medicare Supplement Quote
Why You Should Enroll
Medi-Share 65+ has many benefits and enrollment is easy.
Here’s how Medi-Share works to offer comprehensive healthcare services at a low cost:
Saves Money, Limits Costs
- Enrolling in Medi-Share 65+ offers significant savings compared to other plans.
- Efficiently limits costs, especially compared to Medicare Advantage (MA) with higher Maximum Out-of-Pocket (MOOP) expenses.
- Ensures comprehensive health plan without a hefty financial burden.
Saves Money Compared to Plan G
- Medi-Share 65+ saves monthly premiums compared to Medigap Plan G and most other comprehensive Medigap plans.
- Ensures robust sharing benefits while keeping more money in your pocket.
Everything approved but not paid under Medicare Parts A and B (except the first $500 per household) qualifies for sharing:
- Pays all costs (deductibles, copays, and coinsurance) under Medicare Parts A and B, the only exception being the first $500 per household per year.
- Ensures access to a broad spectrum of medical services without major out-of-pocket concerns.
Price Lock-in until Age 75
- Offers stability by locking in pricing until age 75.
- Provides peace of mind and predictability in healthcare costs, allowing effective budget planning and eliminating uncertainty associated with fluctuating healthcare expenses.
No Pre-existing Clause if You Join When First Eligible
- Joining when first eligible eliminates a pre-existing condition clause.
- You will be approved regardless of medical condition or history, as long as you enroll during your initial Medicare enrollment period.
Pre-existing Condition Clause of 6 Months, Not 4 Years
- Even if you miss the initial enrollment window, the pre-existing condition clause for Medi-Share 65+ is only 6 months.
- Pre-existing condition waiting periods are also waived if you sign up during Medicare Open Enrollment.
Medi-Share 65+ Self-Enrollment Instructions
Gather your Medicare enrollment letter or your Medicare card. Then follow these steps:
- Click the enrollment link here, and answer some basic contact information.
- Click “I’m not a robot,” and submit.
- On the next page, click the date on which you want your Medi-Share 65+ membership to become effective.
- Enter your state of residence, zip code, marital status, and date of birth of the oldest person enrolling on your application.
- Enter the number of people applying in your household.
- Click “See Pricing.” If the birthday you entered puts you or the oldest applicant at 65 or older, the next page will give you pricing for the Medi-Share 65+ plan.
- Click “Select.”
- Enter the primary applicant’s identifying information.
- Click “Onward.”
- Enter your address information.
- Click “Save and Continue.”
- The next page will ask you if you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan, or if you plan to be when your Medi-Share plan becomes effective.
- To join Medi-Share 65+, you must click “No.” You only need one of these plans. You cannot join Medi-Share 65+ at the same time you’re enrolled in either Medicare Advantage or Medigap. If you’re transitioning from either plan to Medi-Share 65+, you must cancel your old plan when your Medi-Share 65+ plan becomes effective.
- Enter your 11-digit Medicare number from your Medicare card or benefits verification letter.
- Enter your Medicare Part B start date, using the drop-down menu.
- Enter your Medicare
- Click “Continue.”
- Answer the remaining questions as prompted.
- Select a payment method
- Enter your billing/purchase information as directed.
- Verify your payment went through and confirm the effective start date.
Once you’ve successfully enrolled, be sure to cancel any other Medicare Advantage or Medigap insurance as of your Medi-Share 65+ effective date.
Get a Free Medicare Advantage Quote
Select whether you would like quotes on Medicare Advantage and MAPD plans, or Part D prescription plans.
Get Started with Medi-Share 65+ Today
If you have any questions or need help with your application, a MediGap Advisor is just a call away.
You can also schedule an appointment with a Personal Benefits Manager for one-on-one guidance.
Don’t wait—join the Medi-Share community today and see why so many people are choosing a cost-effective alternative to traditional Medicare.
With Medi-Share 65+, you’re not just managing healthcare expenses—you’re part of a supportive community.
For Further Reading:
- Does Medi-Share 65+ Pay When Traveling Outside the United States?
- The Less Expensive Medicare Supplement Alternative: Medi-Share 65+
- The Medi-Share 65+
FAQ
What are the eligibility requirements for Medi-Share 65+?
You are eligible starting the first day of the month you turn 65, as long as you have Medicare Parts A and B.
If your birthday falls on the first day of the month, you qualify for Medi-Share 65+ one month earlier—on the first of the prior month.
Can my Medi-Share 65+ plan be canceled for medical reasons?
No, Medi-Share 65+ cannot drop you for medical reasons. As long as you remain enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, make your monthly contributions, and follow Medi-Share’s statement of values, your membership stays active.
What discounts are available for prescriptions, dental, and vision services?
Medi-Share members get access to discounts on:
- Prescriptions – Lower prices through partner pharmacy networks (savings vary by medication and pharmacy).
- Dental care – Discounts on cleanings, exams, and procedures like root canals and orthodontics.
- Vision care – Reduced rates on eye exams, glasses, and contacts, with some savings on corrective procedures.
These discounts help lower healthcare costs for routine and specialized care.
What telehealth services are included in Medi-Share membership?
Medi-Share provides unlimited access to board-certified doctors through telehealth. Members can get medical advice, diagnoses, and prescriptions without an in-person visit—making healthcare more convenient and accessible.
Are there any annual or lifetime sharing limits with Medi-Share 65+?
No, Medi-Share 65+ has no annual or lifetime caps on eligible medical expenses. Unlike some insurance plans, this ensures continued support for major medical costs as long as you remain a member and your expenses meet the program’s eligibility criteria.
Tom Lockwood is a Personal Benefits Manager at MediGap Advisors. Tom has a passion for bringing clarity to those confused about Medicare. He is an authority on Medicare, Medicare supplement plans, Medicare Advantage plans, and Part D prescription drug plans. Read more about Tom on his Bio page.