The expression "bears expense" implies that someone or something is responsible for covering the cost of something. Antonyms for this phrase could include "grants subsidy," "receives compensation," or "avoids cost." Granting a subsidy would mean that the person or entity providing the subsidy is covering the expense, rather than the person or thing being subsidized. Receiving compensation would mean that payment is being provided for the service or benefit provided, thus eliminating the need to bear the expense. Avoiding cost would entail finding a way to achieve the desired result without incurring any expenses. All of these antonyms provide alternatives to the idea of having to bear the expense of something.