Q&A: Understanding the UUA Health Insurance Plan

For almost two decades, the Unitarian Universalist Association’s Health Insurance Plan has offered member organizations coverage through Highmark BCBS, with empathetic customer support from an in-house insurance team. Hugh Dennis, the UUA’s deputy director of Church Staff Finances, explains who is eligible to enroll in the health plan, what makes it different from other plans, and how it reflects UU values.

Why does the UUA offer a health insurance plan, and who does it serve?

Since 2007, the UUA has offered a health insurance plan to support the well-being of its employees, religious professionals, congregational staff, and other UU affiliated organizations. The plan is designed to provide comprehensive medical coverage, access to quality care, and financial protection against high healthcare costs for those serving the Unitarian Universalist community while keeping UU values at the core.

How does the UUA’s health insurance plan live into UU values?

The UUA Health Plan is more than an offered insurance benefit; it is care guided by committed empathy and compassion.

The UUA Health Plan brings our Unitarian Universalist values to life by prioritizing equity, wellness, and access to care for every member. Unlike automated insurance systems, the UUA Insurance Team provides compassionate, personalized support, working directly with participants to navigate coverage, resolve challenges, and ensure they receive the care they need.

Who is eligible to enroll in the UUA’s health insurance?

The UUA Health Plan provides coverage for a range of participants within the Unitarian Universalist community. Eligible individuals include ministers and staff members under 65, as well as those over 65 who are enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. Interns in candidate status, whether paid or unpaid, may also enroll. Additionally, the plan covers employees of affiliated UU organizations, self-employed UU community ministers, and community ministers working for organizations that do not offer health benefits. To qualify, participants must be scheduled to work at least 750 hours per year (approximately fifteen hours per week). The plan does not accept applicants working fewer than 750 hours annually, volunteers, or unpaid congregational members. This ensures that coverage is available to active, compensated participants who are engaged in meaningful service within the UU community while maintaining eligibility requirements aligned with plan resources and commitments.

What is something people are surprised to learn about the health plan?

Many people are surprised by how the UUA Health Plan goes beyond typical insurance coverage to meet the unique needs of our community. For example, if a participant cannot access medically necessary care within 100 miles of home, the plan reimburses reasonable travel expenses. Mental health care is another area of distinction: participants can access tele-med services with providers chosen for their expertise and understanding of participants’ lived identities.

The plan also ensures timely access to fertility treatments for same-gender couples and supports trans-related services, helping participants navigate coverage challenges and find knowledgeable providers. Families benefit too, with up to $2,500 annually for qualified disability-related expenses for special needs children and reimbursement for hearing aids up to $3,000 every other year, benefits rarely offered by other plans.

These features demonstrate the UUA Health Plan’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and compassionate, values-driven care for all participants.

Where does the plan stand currently, and what changes or innovations are in store?

The UUA Health Insurance Plan remains strong and committed to providing values-based coverage for our congregations. As we look ahead to 2026, we are focusing on expanding communication and creating more opportunities for members and administrators to share feedback. Each year we review challenges and successes, and in 2026 we will emphasize ensuring members feel heard and supported.

The changing healthcare climate has brought financial challenges, but we are dedicated to keeping the plan stable and sustainable. By listening closely, adapting thoughtfully, and staying true to UU values, we aim to keep the plan reliable and responsive. We also encourage congregations not yet participating to consider joining the plan and helping ensure its continued success for years to come.

Why should congregations participate in the UUA health plan?

The UUA Health Insurance Plan has been serving our congregations for more than eighteen years, offering coverage that reflects our shared values of care, equity, and community. To keep the plan strong for the future, we need more UU congregations to join us. Your participation helps sustain a program designed by and for our faith community.

Even as most health plans nationwide expect double-digit rate increases for 2026, we remain competitively priced while offering more robust benefits than many commercial options. This balance of value and quality makes the plan an exceptional choice for congregations seeking coverage that truly supports their employees.

By growing participation, we can continue to provide a sustainable, values-driven plan that meets the real needs of those who serve our congregations, while remaining a competitive and faithful alternative in today’s challenging healthcare market.

Learn more about the UUA Health Insurance Plan at uua.org/healthplan.