SB276 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

J.T. WaggonerSenator

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Paul SanfordGreg J. ReedShadrack McGill

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Health Care Sharing Ministries Freedom to Share Act, program for matching of health care and financial needs, disclaimers required, program not subject to Insurance Department regulations

Summary

This bill would create The Health Care Sharing Ministries Freedom to Share Act to allow faith-based health care sharing ministries to match medical needs with donors, require disclaimers, and exempt them from insurance regulation.

What This Bill Does

It authorizes health care sharing ministries to pair medical needs with participants of similar faith who can help with medical and related financial needs. It requires a written disclaimer to recipients stating they are ultimately responsible for medical bills and that participation is not insurance. It also exempts these ministries from regulation as insurance companies and sets rules for operation, reporting, and disclosures.

Who It Affects

• Recipients with medical needs who may receive help from others within a faith-based health care sharing ministry and who would be told they are personally responsible for any remaining medical bills.
• Health care sharing ministries and their participating members/donors, who would operate under a nonprofit, faith-based framework and be exempt from insurance regulation, with required disclosures and monthly financial statements.

Key Provisions

• Defines health care sharing ministry as a faith-based, tax-exempt nonprofit that limits participants to a similar faith, facilitates matching of needs with willing participants, and uses contributions among participants to meet needs.
• Requires a written disclaimer stating the program is not insurance, participation is voluntary, there is no obligation to contribute, and individuals are personally responsible for their own medical bills.
• Requires a written monthly statement to participants listing total qualified needs submitted and the amount allocated to contributors.
• Exempts health care sharing ministries from being regulated as an insurance company for purposes of this act.
• Sets an effective date: the act takes effect on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Health