Transitioning Benefits: Health, Retirement and Group Insurance Plans
To aid in the transitions process, we at the Office of Church Staff Finances (OCSF) have created a Transition Checklist (PDF) along with instructions (PDF) for completion. Completing the Transition Checklist is your best method for ensuring a smooth transition of your benefits from one congregation to another.
Steps for Completion
- Download and complete the Transition Checklist (PDF)
- Make 3 copies and:
- keep a copy for yourself,
- give a copy to your old congregation; and
- give a copy to your new congregation.
- To notify OCSF either:
- fax a copy to 617-742-2875: Attn: UUA Health Plan Office, or
- mail the signed original to:
UUA Health Plan Office
Attn: Health Plan Coordinator
25 Beacon Street
Boston, MA 02108
- OCSF will take care of the rest!
The Checklist must be returned within 30 days of your official start date at your new congregation. For example, if your start date is August 1, the form must be returned by August 30. We cannot guarantee continuation of coverage if the Checklist is not returned to us within that time frame.
Benefit Plans
Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) Health Plan
The Unitarian Universalist Association Health Plan (UUAHP) offers consistent coverage everywhere in the United States.
For those currently enrolled in the UUAHP:
- Check on the details of coverage with your new congregation to ensure they participate in the UUAHP
- If your congregation participates in the UUAHP, your coverage will be moved seamlessly to your new congregation and you and your dependents will use your current ID cards.
- Some congregations have other plans in place. If your new congregation does not allow participation in the UUAHP, your coverage will be terminated on the last day of the month you end working at your old congregation.
- If your new congregation does not already participate in the UUAHP and you and they agree to continue your UUAHP, your congregation must complete a Subscription Agreement (PDF) and return it to: UUA Health Plan, 25 Beacon St, Boston, MA, 02108.
- Your rate will change based on your new home zip code. Check your new rate with our Rate Calculator.
- Your employment change is considered a "qualifying event", so you will have 30 days from your start date at your new congregation to make changes to your coverage (add dependents, change plan, etc.).
For those NOT currently enrolled in the UUAHP:
- Please review our Plan Details and decide if the UUAHP is the right plan for you in your new location.
- If your new congregation participates in the UUAHP, please complete the Online Enrollment Form to enroll. Check with your new congregation to find out what your effective date of coverage will be as it will depend on the Subscription Agreement your congregation has in place with the UUAHP.
- If your new congregation does not participate in the UUAHP, they may choose to offer it to you and in that case your congregation must complete a Subscription Agreement (PDF) and return it to: UUA Health Plan, 25 Beacon St, Boston, MA, 02108.
Retirement Plan
The UU Organizations Retirement Plan enables transitioning employees to easily continue their retirement plan savings while serving different congregations throughout their ministry.
Once you begin your Plan with the Unitarian Universalist (UU) Organizations Retirement Plan at a participating congregation, you may bring it with you to new congregations if they are also a participating employer.
If your new congregation is not a participating employer and you would like your Plan to continue, please have your congregation review the Enrollment Instructions for congregations just starting.
Group Insurance Plans
The Unitarian Universalist Group Insurance Plans (UUGIP) offers Life/Accidental Death & Dismemberment (Life/AD&D), Long-Term Disability (LTD) and Dental coverage.
For those currently carrying GIP coverage(s):
- If there is going to be a gap of fewer than 60 days between congregations, the insurers will allow you to continue your dental and LTD coverage. We can either bill you directly for that time period or you can make arrangements with your old congregation. The payment arrangement must be noted on the Checklist.
- If your employment gap exceeds 60 days, you must complete a new LTD enrollment form (PDF) and be aware that pre-existing condition restrictions will apply for the first year. Your prior LTD coverage will end on the day you terminate with your old congregation. You will also need to complete a new Dental enrollment form (PDF).
For those not currently carrying GIP coverage(s):
- Please review the plans, decide which plans you would like to enroll in and follow our standard enrollment procedures.
- Your employment change is a "qualifying event" and you will have 60 days from your start at your new congregation to enroll in the plans of your choice. Beyond that time, there are special restrictions that apply to late entrants.
For more information contact healthinsurance @ uua.org.
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Last updated on Tuesday, November 1, 2011.
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