*Official Member Guideline
The Additional Giving fund is made of voluntary contributions from members of our medical cost-sharing community, and the generous donations of others, for the purpose of supporting other members who have medical expenses ineligible for sharing. The request and expenses must align with the Principles of Membership and may be considered for sharing from the Additional Giving fund. The allocation of these funds is decided on a case-by-case basis by the Additional Giving Committee.
Members are encouraged to give funds in addition to their standard monthly contributions. One hundred percent of Additional Giving contributions are placed in the Additional Giving fund, which is used solely to assist members who have a sharing request that is determined ineligible for sharing. Additional Giving funds are not subject to any administrative costs. Additional Giving is not mandatory, and members may contribute however much they feel is appropriate.
All members who adhere to the Principles of Membership are eligible to apply for assistance through the Additional Giving fund via an Additional Giving sharing request. Members may apply when they have an ineligible sharing request.
Guidelines for Additional Giving
Sharing requests that align with the Principles of Membership but do not meet the Member Guidelines may be eligible for sharing through the Additional Giving fund.
- Members and other contributors may give additional funds to share with the community or give toward a specific sharing request.
- Members are encouraged to share out of their surplus.
- Members looking to request sharing from the Additional Giving fund must still meet their IUA before the sharing request becomes eligible for sharing.
- Members who apply for sharing from the Additional Giving fund may only have part of their costs shared.
Additional Giving FAQ
What is Additional Giving?
A way to help others with their medical expenses. The Additional Giving Fund, which is used solely to assist members who have a sharing request that would not normally qualify for sharing. Many contribute to the Additional Giving Fund, above and beyond their monthly contribution. These funds are not subject to administrative fees and go directly to help members.
Who can receive Additional Giving benefits?
All active Zion HealthShare members who have been active for at least three months are eligible to receive Additional Giving benefits. According to the Member Guidelines, members whose medical needs are not eligible for sharing can submit an Additional Giving Request to receive help from Additional Giving.
Who can donate to the Additional Giving Fund?
Anyone! Many Zion HealthShare members choose to give more than their required monthly contribution because they believe in helping the other members of the Zion HealthShare community. However, you don’t need to be a member to donate to the Additional Giving Fund and help others with their medical expenses.
Can I choose where my donation goes?
Yes! Donations can be designated for a specific cause. The Additional Giving Fund is preferably for any member who requires help outside of Zion HealthShare's Member Guidelines. The Additional Giving Committee reviews each request for sharing and applies the funds in relation to the organization's overall mission.
Are my donations to the Additional Giving Fund tax deductible?
Yes! While your monthly contributions are not, any amount you contribute to the Additional Giving Fund is considered a charitable donation and can be deducted from your taxable earnings. Ask your tax advisor how this may impact you.
How to Donate
Our Additional Giving Fund is used solely to assist members who have a sharing request that would not normally qualify for sharing. It is separate from the standard monthly contributions and relies entirely on the generosity of members and donors. We invite you to join us in making a difference by contributing to our Additional Giving Fund. Your donation will help members of our community who are facing unexpected medical expenses and are in need of assistance. Together, we can make a difference and continue to support our community members in their time of need. Thank you for considering donating to our Additional Giving Fund.
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 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, 2025.
Note
The Member Guidelines that go into effect January 1, 2025 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, 2025 the sharing request will be reviewed for sharing eligibility according to the Member Guidelines in effect at that time.