Universal Health Fellowship Inc

“Universal health fellowship, inc. (uhf) has engaged carynhealth management solutions, llc (chs) as its health care sharing program manager and representative. In this capacity, chs as a management services organization provides a variety of services and tools including consulting, plan design, development, program management, marketing oversight, promotion and support services to health care sharing ministries (hcsms), association health plans and similar organizations. Chs also processes membership applications, fee collection and member's health care claim administration and other operational services. In discussions with chs, it was determined that chs was willing and able by virtue of experience to meet the operational needs of uhf, and further that chs was also willing to defer significant implementation costs until such time that uhf could repay those recoupable expenses. The expertise and experience of uhf leaders was relied upon to evaluate the fmv of recoupable and ongoing fees. Universal health fellowship, inc. (uhf) contracts with carynhealth management solutions, llc (chs) to provide essential services to uhf members. These operational services are required by uhf in order to fulfill the health care sharing ministry (hcsm). These functions include needs request processing, marketing and member outreach, and other tasks. The current arrangement with chs was negotiated by current and former professionals representing uhf along with counsel representing both entities. Uhf retains the option to restructure the agreement should regional or national changes in health care indicate the need.”

“The ministry does not have any power to issue certificates of stock. Nor is the ministry operated as a limited liability company with members. The by-laws restrict members from receiving any part of the organization's net earnings and in the event of dissolution of the organization any balance of assets after paying claims against the organization. Membership in the ministry ("membership") is open to: (a) individuals who subscribe to the statement of shared faith and beliefs and meet such other qualifications for membership as may be established from time to time by the board for such individuals ("individual members"); and (b) other entities or organizations that are interested in advancing the purpose of the ministry and meet the qualifications for membership established by the board for such entities or organizations (each an organizational member"). The members of the ministry (collectively "members and each a "member") shall consist of (a) individual members from which the ministry has accepted and approved an application for membership containing an attestation of the applicant's subscription to the statement of shared faith and beliefs, as evidenced by the communication or action of the ministry; (b) individual members who subscribe to the statement of shared faith and beliefs and have made a significant contribution to the creation, development, and success of the ministry, as determined by the board and evidenced by the communication or action of the ministry ("founders"); and (c) organizational members from which the ministry has accepted and approved an application for membership, as evidenced by the communication or action of the ministry.”

“Per the by-laws, "every voting member will have the right to vote on ... The election of directors at any annual meeting of the members or special meeting of the members called for such purpose ...."”

“Per the by-laws, "every voting member will have the right to vote on ... Any substantive modification of the purpose of the ministry; and ... Any other matters t”

“The board of directors receives a copy of the form 990 before it is filed.”

“It is the ongoing responsibility of the board members to disclose potential conflicts such that the board may determine if a conflict of interest exists.”

“Governing documents and internal policies are available within the organization to those who fall under their covenants, but as proprietary information, they and the financial statements are not made directly available to the general public.”

“The board of directors and its advisors are composed of and advised by business development, government, and community leaders. Due to the extensive involvement of these community leaders in business and other communty affairs, these directors may have normal business relationships that might be expected of leaders in a suburban community. However, these business relationships are and shall be conducted at arms' length, pursuant to normal business terms and the organization's conflict of interest policy.”

“Universal health fellowship, inc. (uhf) is a not for-profit health care sharing ministry organization as described in the internal revenue code in 26 usc section 5000a(d)(2)(b)(ii) i, ii, iii and v of the affordable care act. Universal healthshare is a faith-based program built on its members' shared ethical, spiritual and religious beliefs, and the traditions of communal aid, neighborly assistance and burden sharing, which motivate them to lend assistance and support to their neighbors in times of crisis and need. Through a health care cost sharing program called universal healthshare, uhf accepts and coordinates voluntary contributions for the sharing of eligible healthcare costs among the ministry's members under the faith-based belief that health and wellness sharing programs are part of the solution our society needs. High costs have put health and wellness resources beyond the reach of many, especially for individuals and families where many are uninsured or underinsured. Medical cost sharing programs offer a much-needed alternative and provide an option that many people may prefer over traditional insurance. Medical sharing programs allow communities of like-minded people to spread the costs of medical care among themselves. Members share one another's qualifying medical needs and universal healthshare serves to facilitate and coordinate this sharing, directing members' contributions to others in the program with eligible needs. Individuals may be nominated by a universal healthshare member or by a uu congregation for assistance from uhf with their medical bills. All activities are monitored and overseen by the uhf board of directors and uhf support staff. 100% of uhf's time is currently, and will continue to be allocated in the future, to universal healthshare program operations. In addition to continuing to grow its membership by offering efficiently run health care cost sharing programs, uhf plans to offer other health-related support services for families and individuals.”