UHA Health Provides $13.6 Million in Discounts to Existing Employer Groups to Help Strengthen Island Businesses

-Insurer Also Donated $175,000 to Non-Profits, Gives Employee Stipends to Spend in Local Eateries-

UHA Health Insurance is providing its existing employer groups a total amount of $13.6 million in premium discounts.

UHA employer groups (active as of April 1) are receiving approximately half a month of their premiums back as a one-time premium discount, applied to their August invoices.

“With so many across the state suffering in ways we could not have imagined a few months ago, we wanted to help our local organizations that make Hawaii such a special place, starting with this discount to our own employer groups,” explains Howard Lee, President and Chief Executive Officer of UHA. “By supporting each other, we will get through these times to see better days together.”

UHA hopes the premium discount helps local employers re-build solid financial foundations during these uncertain times.

In addition, UHA is undertaking a number of other initiatives to bolster the economy and community through support of local healthcare providers and other critical organizations.

Starting this month, all 167 UHA employees are receiving a $100 restaurant stipend in their paychecks. The company suggests that the funds be spent at local eateries as the restaurant industry has and will continue to face unprecedented challenges to its survival.

Many physicians have struggled as elective procedures – and often even routine visits – were postponed over recent months. In recognition of that, UHA provided additional financial support to local physicians who faced COVID-related disruption.

Fourteen of UHA’s employer groups received thousands of dollars in free television and online advertising each to encourage patronage of these local organizations.

UHA also increased local charitable donations to help critical non-profits that have been stretched thin over the past few months. Over $175,000 was donated to hospitals and organizations including Hawai‘i Foodbank, Hawai‘i Meals on Wheels, Family Hui Hawai‘i, Salvation Army and Child & Family Service.

About UHA Health Insurance (University Health Alliance)

UHA provides medical, drug and vision plans to nearly 4,500 Hawai‘i employer groups and approximately 59,000 members. As the only health plan in Hawai‘i founded by physicians, it was the first to offer preventive and wellness care focused health plans in the state. It continues to be physician led and now offers the largest physician network in Hawai‘i. By meeting strict quality standards to ensure clinically sound decision-making that respects the rights of patients and medical providers, UHA received accreditation in Health Utilization Management through URAC, the independent non-profit that promotes healthcare quality.

For information, visit uhahealth.com or follow @uhahealth on Twitter.