United Way of Central Indiana launches statewide health plan to strengthen human services nonprofits

United Way of Central Indiana is launching a new group health plan open to human services nonprofits and all local United Ways across the state of Indiana.  

More than 40 organizations representing over 1,000 employees have already expressed interest.

United Way of Central Indiana services Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan and Putnam counties.

The plan, Indiana UNITY Health Alliance, is a Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangement (MEWA), which allows multiple employers to join together to offer health and wellness benefits. By pooling resources and benefits, employers can offer more robust benefits and flexible plans at lower costs to both employers and employees.  

“This will give small nonprofits access to the benefits of being part of a large group health plan that they may not otherwise have access to,” said Jennifer Gallagher, United Way’s chief financial officer.  

This will allow more nonprofits across Indiana to hire and retain talented employees, potentially reduce healthcare costs and save on internal benefits administration – and keep more of their resources focused on serving the community.  

Interested nonprofits can learn more by signing up to attend one of three virtual information sessions, scheduled for 2-3 p.m. Sept. 17, 24 and Oct. 1. Proposed rates will be available, and open enrollment meetings will be held, in October.

Pending approval by the Indiana Department of Insurance, the plan will go into effect Jan. 1, 2027.

Establishing the Indiana UNITY Health Alliance has been in the works for about two years and is part of United Way’s mission to support and strengthen the human services nonprofit sector.

Nonprofits have long faced challenges offering affordable, high-quality healthcare, which in turn makes it difficult to attract and keep employees.  

“A strong nonprofit sector is essential to strong communities,” said Fred Payne, president and CEO of United Way of Central Indiana. “By bringing organizations together around a shared solution, we can strengthen their ability to invest in their people, build organizational capacity and focus more of their resources on their missions.”

The health plan will include medical, dental, vision and life insurance, long-term disability, short-term disability, an Employee Assistance Program, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Account and telehealth benefits.  

United Way’s goal is to have at least 500 employees across the state covered by the plan in its first year.  

The plan will have a Board of Trustees composed of people from, and elected by, participating organizations. United Way of Central Indiana will be responsible for day-to-day operations of the plan.

For more information, visit mewa.uwci.org.