Have an upcoming procedure or appointment?? Here is what to do as a Zion HealthShare member.
If you’re a self-pay patient and part of Zion HealthShare, you’re in a unique position. You don’t have traditional insurance, but you do have a community ready to help share your eligible medical expenses. Still, preparing for a procedure or appointment can feel overwhelming, especially when you see big numbers on estimates. The key? Start early and stay organized.
Why Acting Early Matters
Starting early helps avoid delays and confusion. It also allows the Zion HealthShare team to review your sharing request and provide guidance before your appointment or procedure takes place.
Step 1: Open a Sharing Request Immediately
As soon as you know about an upcoming procedure or appointment, log in to your Zion HealthShare account and open a sharing request. This notifies the team and begins the review process. Opening a request after care has already occurred can slow things down and may delay sharing.
*If you are experiencing an emergency, seek care immediately. You are not required to contact Zion HealthShare before receiving emergency care. You can open a sharing request as soon as you are able afterward.
Step 2: Ask About Self-Pay Discounts
Because you’re a self-pay patient, providers often offer discounts, sometimes significant ones! Here’s what to say:
“I’m a self-pay patient. Do you offer any discounts for paying out-of-pocket or for setting up a payment plan?”
You can also ask whether prompt-pay discounts are available if payment is made quickly
Step 3: Gather Your Documents
Having the right documents ready helps the sharing process move efficiently. Be sure to collect:
- Your procedure estimate or Good Faith Estimate and appointment details
- Any written discount agreements from the provider
- Medical records if necessary
Step 4: Pay Your IUA (Initial Unshareable Amount)
Before expenses become eligible for sharing, you are responsible for paying your Initial Unshareable Amount for each medical event. Make sure you know your IUA amount and plan for it in advance. Paying your IUA promptly helps prevent delays. Your IUA can be paid directly to Zion HealthShare or to your provider.
Step 5: Understand Your Payment Options
Even after discounts and sharing, your provider may ask you to pay a portion of the cost upfront. If notified with enough time before your procedure, Zion HealthShare may be able to make pre-payments on eligible medical needs once a determination is made. If timing is tight, ask your provider about payment plans that work within your budget.
Zion HealthShare also offers flexibility in how eligible medical needs are paid. Depending on your situation, this may include reimbursement after you pay the provider, direct billing with the provider once your IUA is satisfied, or payment through a prepaid card when available.
As a Zion HealthShare member, you’re not alone. Acting early, opening a sharing request, asking for discounts, and gathering documents, helps you get the most out of your membership and reduces stress. You’ve got a community behind you, and these steps make the process smooth and affordable.
Member Guideline Notice
Notice
Please note all article sections formatted like this are official member guidelines and will be marked “*Official Member Guideline” when applicable. Anything else is simply helpful information to assist you in understanding the member guidelines and how to use your Zion HealthShare Membership.
Members who call the Zion HealthShare office asking about eligibility of medical expenses will be given an opinion, not a decision. Sharing Requests and medical expenses cannot be authorized over the phone. For more information on submitting bills to Zion HealthShare, review the Member Guidelines or login to your Member Portal.
These guidelines are effective as of January 1, 2026.
Note
The Member Guidelines that go into effect January 1, 2026, will only be applicable to sharing requests that are submitted on or after that date. If a sharing request was submitted prior to January 1, 2026, the sharing request will be reviewed for sharing eligibility according to the Member Guidelines in effect at that time.
Zion HealthShare is not an insurance company. Neither this publication nor membership in Zion HealthShare are offered by an insurance company. Visit ZionHealthShare.org to view your state-specific notice.