When to Use Your Medical Cost Sharing Membership

Health care is personal and unique for each of us. Our benefits should be the same way. That’s why, with Health Access Solutions, you’re in charge of your health care.

Many of our members get the best care and value by pairing their Health Access Benefit (HAB), which focuses on routine health care, with an additional Medical Cost Sharing membership. However, sometimes the difference between the services, and the times when you would use each, can be confusing. Here’s what you need to know about when to use which membership.

Not sure if you have a Medical Cost Sharing membership? Find that information in your Digital Membership Packet.

When To Use Your Health Access Benefit

The Health Access Benefit is made up of three key pieces that work together to provide you and your family with quality health care that is both affordable and convenient. These three pieces are your primary care, prescription, and preventive care. Anytime you need to go to a primary care provider for a routine appointment, need to order a prescription, or need to receive a preventive care service, you’ll use your HAB.

Learn more about how to use these services here.

When To Use Medical Cost Sharing

Generally, you will use your Medical Cost Sharing membership when you experience large or unexpected medical costs. Here are a few common examples:

1. When you receive scary news. If you receive a significant diagnosis and need to start a treatment plan that goes beyond routine health care, you would use your Medical Cost Sharing membership.
2. When your family grows. All forms of maternity, from prenatal visits to delivery to postnatal care, are applicable to your Medical Cost Sharing membership.
3. When someone gets injured. If someone in your family has an accident, such as if you fall and break a bone, you go to the ER, require orthopedic surgery, and rehabilitate with physical therapy and pain medication, you will submit that to your Medical Cocst Sharing membership.
4. When a family member requires surgery. Use your Medical Cost Sharing membership for small surgeries, such as a hernia repair surgery.

How to Submit a Need to Medical Cost Sharing

When you need financial support from your Medical Cost Sharing membership, that is called a “need”. You submit your “need” along with your itemized receipt to your Medical Cost Sharing Membership. Then a needs coordinator will review and process your request.

We encourage you to be your own health advocate by actively contacting your needs coordinator and participating with your Medical Cost Sharing provider.

How To Submit A Need To Sedera

If you have a membership with Sedera, here is how you can submit your “needs request.”

1. First, review the Membership Guidelines here to see if your need is “shareable.”
2. Login to your Sedera account at https://sederamcs.org 
3. Select “Needs Management” in your Member Portal. 
4. Select “Add a New Need” and then follow the prompts to submit your request. 
5. A Member Needs Coordinator will negotiate and advocate on your behalf, then you will receive eligible funds to pay your medical bills. 
6. Contact Sedera for additional guidance at (855) 973-3372 or needs@sedera.com.

How To Submit A need To Zion

If you have a membership with Zion, here is how you can submit your “needs request.”

1. Contact Zion at (888) 920-9466 and request the set up link email for the first time you need to access the Zion Member Portal.
2. Once you have set up your access to the Member Portal, you can access it anytime from the Zion homepage.
3. Login to the Member Portal, then click on “Begin New Sharing Request” button.
4. Complete the form. 
5. The Zion HealthShare Needs department will review your request and provide medical cost sharing assistance.
6. Contact Zion for additional help at (888) 920-9466 or needs@zionhealth.org.

Need more help?

Your Medical Cost Sharing membership is separate from your Health Access Benefit, although they work in tandem to provide you with a total health care solution. Our member support team can assist with your Health Access Benefit, your Medical Cost Share membership (Zion/Sedera), or even understanding which one you should use for your specific medical needs.

Our team is available Monday through Friday, 9:00-5:00 EST, at (800) 606-1135 or members@healthaccesssolutions.com.