from email dated January 8th, 2026
Virginia United Methodist Pensions, Inc. (VUMPI), the Virginia Conference agency that administers the Conference-sponsored health plans for active clergy and their families, is pleased to announce an important health plan enhancement. Beginning in 2026, the Conference-sponsored health plans administered by Anthem will provide coverage toward the cost of hearing aids for all health plan members. Previously, coverage was only available for health plan members up to age 18.
Specific coverage guidelines include payment of up to $1,500 towards hearing aids per impaired ear every 24 months. This represents an expansion of the coverage guidelines previously available only to pediatric health plan members to now include all members of the Conference-sponsored health plans, regardless of age. Please note that due to IRS restrictions, members enrolled in the Health Savings Account (HSA) health plan must meet the plan deductible before the hearing aid coverage allowance can be applied. For members enrolled in the PPO Core or PPO Buy-up plans, the allowance can be utilized prior to satisfying the plan’s deductible.
This coverage enhancement reflects VUMPI’s commitment to maintain health plans that support the overall health, wellbeing and quality of life for our Conference’s clergy and their families. Please do not hesitate to contact VUMPI’s Health Plan Administrator, Stacey Anthony, with any questions about this expanded health benefit. Stacey can be reached at (804) 521-1131 or staceyanthony@vaumc.org.