Cedar Health Alliance (CHA) is a values-aligned health plan created to serve churches, ministries, and faith-based organizations. Our mission is simple: make quality healthcare accessible, affordable, and sustainable for the long term. CHA replaces the traditional insurance model with a transparent, community-based approach that gives organizations more control, predictability, and peace of mind while ensuring staff and families get the care they need.
How does the Cedar Health Alliance program deliver lower, more sustainable costs than a traditional group health plan?
CHA operates on a Level-Funded, Self-Funded Master Trust model. This structure removes the middle layers of traditional insurance, bringing transparency and stability.
What happens if our organization chooses to stay with our current carrier for another year?
Remaining in the traditional system means continuing the pattern of rising premiums and shrinking benefits. Most ministries experience double-digit annual increases, higher deductibles, and reduced participation over time. The current system is not designed for sustainability — it prioritizes carrier profits over your mission.
Cedar Health Alliance offers a proactive path forward, allowing ministries to stabilize budgets and preserve resources for what truly matters.
If this plan is “self-funded,” does that mean we take on risk for high-cost claims?
No. Every group in CHA is protected by Stop-Loss Insurance, which covers catastrophic claims that exceed a set threshold. This safeguard ensures your organization’s monthly cost remains predictable, even if a member experiences a major medical event.
Why is it important to have as many employees and dependents (“lives”) on the plan as possible?
Healthcare sustainability relies on the law of large numbers. The more members who join the plan, the more stable and predictable the overall claims experience becomes. This allows CHA to negotiate stronger rates, minimize volatility, and keep premiums lower for everyone.
Who manages enrollment and supports employees during the transition?
CHA partners with SMBO Enrollment Guidance and other dedicated support teams to ensure a smooth, high-touch experience. Employees receive personalized help choosing the right plan, confirming network access, and completing enrollment. For employers, this means less administrative work and greater confidence that staff understand their options.
When does enrollment take place, and what are the deadlines for 2026 coverage?
Cedar Health Alliance’s launch date is January 1, 2026.
Can an employer join mid-year, or only at the beginning of the year?
While the plan officially renews each January, mid-year enrollments may be considered on a case-by-case basis for new groups or those experiencing qualifying events. Contact Stoneford to discuss timing and eligibility.
Is Spanish-language enrollment support available?
Yes. Spanish-speaking enrollment specialists are available to assist employees throughout the process, ensuring clear communication and confidence in plan selection.
Will staff have to change their doctors or hospitals?
Cedar Health Alliance partners with major national and regional networks through its Third-Party Administrator (TPA). Most members keep their current doctors and hospitals. The enrollment team confirms each provider’s participation before coverage begins.
Of the national provider list, can members choose their own primary-care providers?
Yes. Members may select any in-network primary-care provider. The network is broad, giving employees the freedom to choose a physician who fits their preferences and needs.
What about specialists — will I lose my current specialist relationships?
Most members maintain existing specialist relationships. The enrollment team can confirm whether your specialist is in-network or help locate equivalent options nearby. If a provider is out-of-network, CHA will work with members to coordinate referrals and minimize disruption.
How can I confirm the quality of the doctor that Fair Market Health (FMH) recommends? I like to review ratings and reputation before choosing a doctor—will that still apply? Will I be “assigned” to a specific provider for $0?
You’ll always have the freedom to review and choose your doctor. Fair Market Health (FMH) recommends high-quality providers who meet specific transparency and performance standards, but you’re not required to use a particular doctor.
If you prefer to verify a provider’s background, ratings, or reputation, you can still research them online or ask your Care Guide for more details before scheduling. The “$0” services typically apply when using providers within FMH’s preferred network — but they’re not assigned or mandatory. You remain in control of your healthcare decisions.
How broad is the network of direct providers?
The Fair Market Health network includes thousands of primary care doctors, specialists, labs, and imaging centers nationwide. These direct providers are selected for their quality, transparency, and cost-effectiveness.
In addition to FMH’s direct relationships, Cedar Health Alliance members also have access to national network partnerships through our Third-Party Administrator (TPA). This ensures broad, familiar access to hospitals and specialists while still benefiting from the cost savings of FMH’s transparent pricing model.
Is it required to speak with a Personal Care Guide or Amaze Health before every appointment?
No. Members do not need pre-approval for each visit. However, connecting with your Personal Care Guide or Amaze Health team is encouraged when you want help comparing costs, finding high-quality providers, or understanding your benefits. Their goal is to help you make informed, affordable care choices — not to gatekeep your access.
How does the “tele-med first” philosophy work for people with chronic or ongoing conditions?
Amaze Health is a first-access tool, not a restriction. It’s designed to handle common or urgent issues quickly and affordably, saving time and money. Members with chronic care needs continue in-person relationships with their primary and specialty providers, supported by telehealth when convenient.
What happens if I can’t reach my Personal Care Guide during off hours?
Amaze Health offers extended-hours support and multiple contact options. If your assigned guide is unavailable, another member of the care team can assist you. For emergencies, members should always use urgent care or emergency services directly.
How are prescription drugs covered under Cedar Health Alliance?
CHA’s pharmacy benefit uses a transparent pricing model that eliminates hidden markups.
Drugs fall into four tiers:
This approach keeps everyday medications affordable and ensures fair pricing on higher-cost drugs.
How can members find a list of covered drugs?
A searchable formulary (drug list) is available through the member portal and at cedarhealthalliance.com. Members can also contact Amaze Health or their enrollment team to confirm coverage or identify lower-cost alternatives.
How are biologic drugs (like Tremfya) handled?
Biologic and specialty medications are evaluated case-by-case. CHA’s sourcing partners work to secure the lowest available cost and ensure medical necessity. Your care guide or Amaze Health representative can walk you through the approval and coordination process.
When a plan lists “80% coinsurance,” does that mean the employee pays 80% or 20%?
It means the plan pays 80% of covered services after the deductible, and the member pays 20% (the coinsurance portion). Coinsurance helps share costs fairly between the plan and the participant once coverage is active.
Are employees over age 65 covered by Cedar Health Alliance?
Cedar Health Alliance is designed primarily for active employees under age 65. Those over 65 typically transition to Medicare and may coordinate coverage through Stoneford’s individual solutions or Move Health programs. Our team can help each member determine the best fit.
What value-added services are included with Cedar Health Alliance?
CHA plans include a range of modern, member-focused benefits beyond medical coverage, such as:
How does Cedar Health Alliance differ from a traditional broker relationship?
Cedar Health Alliance isn’t just a brokered plan — it’s a unified solution built through Stoneford to protect ministries and nonprofits from runaway healthcare costs.
What tools help employees manage their health proactively?
Members gain access to digital tools and support for virtual care, mental-health counseling, wellness tracking, and cost comparisons. These resources make it easier to seek early care and prevent small issues from becoming costly emergencies.
Where can I get more information or personalized assistance?
Visit www.cedarhealthalliance.com or contact benefits@stoneford.com to connect with a team member. Whether you’re an employer seeking a quote or an employee needing help with coverage, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
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