Why We Switched From Employer-Provided Insurance to MediShare — And Why I Recommend It

When I left my job with the State of Ohio, I also walked away from something most people would never dream of giving up—employer-provided insurance benefits. It was one of the hardest and most nerve-wracking transitions we made as a family… but looking back now, I can say with confidence: switching to MediShare was the right move, financially and practically.

I want to share our journey—not as financial advice, but as encouragement. Because I know many families are stuck between needing medical protection and being crushed by the cost of it. We found a different way, and maybe it can help someone else too.

Our Experience With Traditional Insurance

Employer-provided insurance sounds safe and secure—but it doesn’t always protect your wallet.

When our daughter was born, even with insurance, we still paid:

• $5,000 out of pocket for labor and delivery

• $2,000 for labs and prenatal care

• $1,000 in post-delivery office visits

That was $8,000 out of pocket—with employer insurance.

On paper, the benefits looked strong. In reality, we felt buried under deductibles, co-deductibles, and surprise bills—especially because everything was billed per person, not per family.

The Simplicity of MediShare

With MediShare, everything changed. Our plan is simple:

• $917 per month

• $3,000 total sharing amount FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

• No per-person deductible

• No co-deductible

That alone makes our healthcare costs predictable—something our previous insurance never allowed.

We also discovered this works best with smaller, privately owned practices. Our independent wellness office keeps costs transparent and visits affordable—with less paperwork and more actual care.

“Do You Have to Pay Up Front?” — The Big Myth

One misconception is that with MediShare or cash-based billing, you must pay upfront before being seen.
That simply is not the case.

Most places still bill you after the visit—just like patients with insurance.

Here’s what we do:

1. Call ahead to ask for their cash price.

2. Confirm they can bill later or allow payments.

3. Set up a payment plan if needed.

For example, an ultrasound during this pregnancy was $1,000—credited toward our $3,000 family sharing total. We didn’t pay it all at once—we simply make payments to the hospital until it’s covered.

Why MediShare Has Saved Us Money

Even though our monthly cost looks higher than some traditional plans, it has saved us money overall. When we compared regular insurance options, the lowest-cost policy still came with:

• $1,500 deductible per person

• Co-deductibles

• Multiple bills from different offices

• No transparency on the final total

With MediShare, we know exactly what we’re working toward—one sharing amount and one community behind us.

Final Thoughts — Why We Stay With MediShare

Explore Medishare

I can’t recommend this model of coverage enough. In today’s economy, families need:
✔ Protection from medical debt
✔ Affordable monthly expenses
✔ Flexibility and transparency
✔ Care, not confusion

For our family, MediShare has checked every box. It feels more ethical and more practical—and honestly, more human. It operates like a co-op: families helping each other, each doing our part so no one carries the burden alone.

We do our part. We get care when we need it.
And we’re not alone.

If you’re considering this path and want tips on calling hospitals, setting up payment plans, or comparing your options—I’m happy to help. No one should feel overwhelmed walking into a doctor’s office.