Millions of Americans are confronting significant increases in health insurance costs as they prepare to enroll in plans for 2026. An analysis conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) indicates that the average premium for ACA Marketplace plans is set to rise by an alarming 26%. This hike comes just before the expiration of enhanced tax credits on December 31, 2025, which have helped many individuals afford coverage in recent years. Without these temporary credits, some premiums could potentially more than double, adding to the financial strain faced by consumers.
The increase in premiums varies significantly based on factors such as income, age, family size, and geographical location. For instance, North Carolina is witnessing average premium hikes ranging from 16% to 34%, while Texas is experiencing an increase of 35%. Florida and Pennsylvania are also seeing substantial increases, with rates up 34% and 21% respectively. Many individuals are exploring lower-tier plans, only to discover high deductibles exceeding $7,000, which may leave them financially vulnerable.
In response to these rising costs, a notable shift is occurring as thousands of Americans turn to healthcare sharing ministries, such as Liberty HealthShare. This organization has reported a surge in inquiries and enrollments, with prospective member inquiries in November 2025 increasing by more than 300% compared to the same month in the previous year. According to Dorsey Morrow, Chief Executive Officer of Liberty HealthShare, current monthly enrollment has seen growth for 27 consecutive months, reaching the highest levels seen in over three years.
Morrow emphasizes that healthcare sharing, while not classified as insurance, offers an affordable alternative to the soaring costs of traditional health plans. He points out that “if you’re paying $12,000 before the insurance company pays a cent, it’s like you don’t have insurance at all.” Despite the benefits, Morrow acknowledges that health sharing may not suit everyone and advises potential members to carefully review the ministry’s Sharing Guidelines to understand eligible medical expenses.
Liberty HealthShare operates on a different model than traditional insurance, allowing members to share medical expenses among themselves. This approach helps significantly reduce individual costs, with members typically sharing eligible medical expenses within an average of 30-45 days. The ministry functions on the biblical principle of community support, where voluntary monthly contributions from members fund the sharing of eligible medical expenses.
Last year, Liberty HealthShare facilitated the sharing of over $454 million in billed medical charges, which were repriced to just over $154 million, yielding savings of more than $300 million for its members. Since its inception in 2014, Liberty HealthShare has facilitated nearly $5 billion in eligible medical expenses for its members.
“The rising costs of healthcare and insurance premiums are a concern for families and businesses alike,” Morrow stated. He reiterated Liberty HealthShare’s mission to provide affordable healthcare options that align with Christian values. Established in 1995, the organization offers a faith-based alternative to health insurance, allowing members the freedom to choose their providers while participating in a compassionate community.
Liberty HealthShare provides several medical cost-sharing programs tailored to meet the diverse needs of individuals and families. Monthly share amounts for individuals range from $87 to $362, while families of four start at $319 per month. Many programs include free urgent care and mental wellness telehealth visits, along with discounts on prescription drugs.
The ministry also offers specialized programs such as Liberty Dental and Liberty Vision, which allow members to share costs related to dental and vision care, respectively. Suggested monthly share amounts for Liberty Dental start as low as $35, while Liberty Vision begins at just $7 per individual.
Liberty HealthShare has earned recognition for its transparency and accountability, holding both Candid’s 2025 GuideStar Gold Seal and Charity Navigator’s 4-Star rating, making it one of the most reputable non-profit organizations in the health-sharing space. The organization is also accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating.
Unlike traditional insurance plans, enrollment with Liberty HealthShare is available year-round, allowing individuals to join at any time without the need for special life events. For more information about its sharing programs, interested individuals can visit LibertyHealthShare.org or call (855) 585-4237.
Earlier this year, Liberty HealthShare launched the Sharing Hearts Fund for Pediatric Wellness, a charitable initiative aimed at supporting families in Stark County, Ohio, with medical needs related to pediatric health. As a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, Liberty HealthShare remains committed to fostering a caring community that prioritizes the needs of its members while promoting the values of stewardship and support in healthcare.