The State of American Healthcare and the Hope for Change title over a digital healthcare background with the netWell logo.

The State of American Healthcare and the Hope for Change

America’s Healthcare: Rising Costs, Falling Confidence

Increasing medical bills in the U.S. healthcare system are making it harder for families to keep up with the cost of care. A recent poll shows that Americans’ positive ratings of healthcare quality have fallen to their lowest level in 24 years, with only 44% calling the quality “good” or “excellent”. Even fewer—just 28%—say the same about healthcare coverage. Meanwhile, costs remain the number one health concern for American families.

According to a 2025 Health Tracking Poll, nearly half of U.S. adults say it is difficult to afford healthcare costs, and one in four report that they or a family member struggled to pay medical bills in the past year. Even insured Americans are not immune: 37% of those with health insurance still say they have skipped needed care due to cost.

These numbers showcase the many flaws in a system that consumes nearly 17% of the U.S. GDP, leaves 26 million uninsured, and drives medical debt for four in ten adults. For many, a single unexpected bill of just $500 could lead to debt or extreme financial stress.

The good news? It doesn’t have to be this way.

The Alternative: Faith-Based Healthcare Sharing Ministries

Group of young adults smiling and high-fiving in a park.

Amid growing disillusionment with traditional health insurance, many Americans are turning to Christian healthcare sharing ministries. These ministries are communities of members who share each other’s medical expenses as an act of mutual support. Unlike insurance companies, these ministries emphasize compassion, affordability, and shared responsibility.

netWell is one such healthcare sharing ministry. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3), netWell facilitates member-to-member sharing of eligible medical needs, guided by Christian principles of stewardship and care for one another.

Open to All

While some healthcare sharing ministries place limits on who can participate, netWell takes a more welcoming approach. Membership doesn’t require church documentation, and because netWell is not insurance, there’s no need for a Social Security number. With year-round open enrollment and only minimal restrictions, joining is simple. This makes netWell an option for individuals and families seeking affordable, community-driven healthcare without unnecessary barriers.

Why netWell Stands Out

  • Affordable – with monthly shares significantly lower than insurance premiums
  • Community-Driven – based on Christian principles of sharing burdens (Gal 6:2)
  • Comprehensive – offering coverage options that include mental health, preventive screenings, hospitalization, and more
  • Transparent – Your money goes to members, not corporate profits

In a system where healthcare costs are a top financial concern for American families, netWell offers hope and an alternative path rooted in faith, compassion, and transparency.

A Better Way Forward

Nurse gently supporting an elderly woman with a warm smile.

The U.S. healthcare system may be declining, but families are not without options. Christian healthcare sharing ministries like netWell provide a lifeline for those burdened by healthcare costs and frustrated by traditional health insurance.

By choosing netWell, members aren’t just reducing costs; they’re joining a faith-based community dedicated to caring for one another, restoring dignity to healthcare, and living out Christian principles. netWell is proof that hope for change in American healthcare is not only possible—it’s already here.

Learn more about becoming a netWell member at netwell.com.