UUA Health Plan

How the UUA Health Plan Works

Through a contract with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of Pittsburgh PA, members have access to the services of over 720,000 doctors, hospitals, and other providers nationwide—at a fraction of the usual costs.

Operating a UUA-owned, self-funded plan with deep discounts on a not-for-profit basis will significantly reduce total outlays for payment of claims and administration. There will be no compensation of high-level executives, expensive occupancy costs, or paid advertising, to inflate the expense of operations.

Other denominations using Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield report discounts on claims of up to 50 percent when negotiated through the Church Benefits Association, of which the UUA is a member.

Congregations and other UU organizations will identify their eligible staff, who will complete the UUA Health Plan Enrollment Application indicating the type of coverage they wish. The only cost to congregations will be for their share of the premiums. They will quickly be informed about rates and whether additional information is needed. There will be no cost for submitting an application for enrollment.

Providers will submit their claims to their local BCBS plan. Highmark will then approve and pay the claims, with members responsible only for deductibles and coinsurance amounts, some out-of-network charges, and services not covered by the plan.

Through the Highmark website, enrollees will be able to find a provider or pharmacist in their area, check on claims status, and handle other routine transactions. A toll-free line, (800) 810-2583, is also available for questions about providers.

"In-network" providers offer the best value. Members who prefer to use "out-of-network" providers will assume the responsibility of larger out-of-pocket payments for making that choice.

The finances of the health plan will be kept separate from the UUA's own financial structure.

For further information: please contact Jim Sargent, UUA Health Plan Communications Coordinator, UUA, 25 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108 - Telephone 617-948-6405 or email healthinsurance@uua.org .

UUA Health Plan