UFCW National Health and Welfare Fund

What UFCW National Health and Welfare Fund does

The UFCW National Health and Welfare Fund is a self-insured, ERISA-governed multi-employer welfare benefit plan established in 1940 and self-insured since 1955. It administers over 70 distinct benefit plans (PPO, EPO, HDHP, HMO) for active and retired members of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW), their spouses, children up to age 26, and retirees, across the United States and several Canadian provinces. Named participating employers span retail grocery (Shaw's Supermarkets), wine and spirits manufacturing and distribution (E&J Gallo, Diageo, Constellation Brands, Southern Glazer's, Jim Beam, Buffalo Trace), food processing (Kraft-Maxwell House), industrial manufacturing (CSL Behring), footwear (Red Wing Shoe), and linen services (ALSCO).

The Fund's core technology stack combines a member-facing portal (MyAccount) and an employer-facing contribution portal (i-Remit) with an ecosystem of third-party digital-health partners: Teladoc Health for telehealth and mental health, EmpiRx Health for pharmacy benefit management (including mail order via PrescriptionMart), Delta Dental of New Jersey for dental, VSP for vision, Sword Health for virtual physical therapy, Bloom for digital pelvic health, and CancerNavigator for oncology nurse navigation. Cost-containment infrastructure includes PPO networks (Horizon BCBSNJ in New Jersey, HealthSmart Accel/Preferred on the West Coast), utilization review, case management, disease management, specialty drug cost containment, and a self-service price-comparison tool (mycostestimates.com) for No Surprises Act compliance.

The Fund is a not-for-profit entity with no partners, owners, or stockholders; revenue derives entirely from employer contributions negotiated through collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) with UFCW local unions, plus investment income. Plan design is governed by an eight-member Board of Trustees with equal labor (four) and management (four) representation. The Fund is intentionally not an investable equity vehicle: it has no parent company, no external owners, no funding rounds, and operates exclusively as a negotiated-benefit administrator embedded in the UFCW labor-relations ecosystem.

Name

UFCW National Health and Welfare Fund

Legal name

UFCW National Health and Welfare Fund

Website

https://ufcwnationalfund.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1940

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The UFCW National Health and Welfare Fund is a self-insured, ERISA-governed multi-employer welfare benefit plan that administers 70+ health, dental, vision, pharmacy, and wellness benefit plans for UFCW union members, their families, and retirees across the US and Canada.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Multi-Employer Health Benefits Administration

NAICS

Health and Welfare Funds (52512), Other Insurance Funds (52519)

SIC

Hospital & Medical Service Plans (6324), Accident & Health Insurance (6321)

akta.pro primary industry

Self-Funded (ERISA) Employer Plans (HLAEAAAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Taft-Hartley / Union Multiemployer Group Health Plans (FSAIAFAG)

Keywords

• Multi-employer welfare benefits
• Self-insured health plans
• Union benefits administration
• ERISA-governed benefit plans
• Collective bargaining health benefits

Headquarters

HQ city

Englewood

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Employer Contributions (Multi-Employer Welfare Benefit): The Fund is financed entirely through employer contributions made pursuant to collective bargaining agreements with UFCW local unions. UFCW employers contribute on behalf of UFCW members, their spouses, children, and retirees. There are no partners, owners, or stockholders at the Fund who invest in the hope of being paid dividends. The Fund operates as a not-for-profit entity — rates are calculated to be free of any profit margin. The Fund administers over 70 different plans for employers across the United States.
2. Self-Insured Plan Administration Fees: The Fund designs and administers negotiated health care benefits for UFCW employers who choose to participate. Administrative services are embedded in the contribution structure negotiated through CBAs. The Fund's revenue derives entirely from employer contributions and investment income; there are no external revenue streams from insurance premiums or capital raises.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels9 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The UFCW National Health and Welfare Fund designs and administers self-insured, ERISA-governed health benefit plans for UFCW union members, their families, and retirees. The Fund currently administers over 70 distinct plans (PPO, EPO, HDHP, HMO) across the United States and Canada, financed entirely through employer contributions negotiated via collective bargaining agreements. The offering spans medical, pharmacy, dental, vision, telehealth, virtual physical therapy, cancer navigation, pelvic health, short-term disability, and life insurance benefits.

Product overview

UFCW National Health and Welfare Fund is a self-insured health benefits administrator serving UFCW members, their families, and retirees. The fund, established in 1940 and self-insured since 1955, currently administers over 70 different health plans across the United States. The core product is a comprehensive health benefits platform that includes medical coverage through PPO networks (Horizon BCBSNJ, HealthSmart), pharmacy benefits managed by EmpiRx Health, and ancillary benefits including dental (Delta Dental of NJ) and vision (VSP). The offering is structured as a modular platform with the core health plan as the foundation, supplemented by specialized add-on services including Teladoc Health telehealth, CancerNavigator cancer support, Sword Thrive virtual physical therapy, and Bloom digital pelvic health. Members access services through the MyAccount portal while employers use the i-Remit employer portal. The fund also provides a Self-Service Price Comparison Tool for cost transparency compliance.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• CancerNavigator: A no-cost benefit service providing tailored information, education, and guidance to cancer patients as they navigate decisions following a diagnosis. Patients can connect with an Oncology Nurse Navigator.
• Virtual PT (Sword Health)
• Bloom

Products and services

• UFCW National Health and Welfare Fund Self-Insured Health Benefit Plans Self-insured health benefit plans providing medical, prescription, dental, vision, telehealth, and ancillary benefits to UFCW union members, their families, and retirees. The Fund administers over 70 distinct plans customized for individual employers and employee groups.

Quantifiable outcome

• MRI approval completed within hours (vs. 5-7 day standard processing time), demonstrating efficient prior authorization processes.
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, key and supporting.

• Delta Dental of New JerseycoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2024Delta Dental of New Jersey is the Fund's dental benefit partner, providing PPO and PPO Plus Premier dental coverage across the United States. Starting January 2024, the partnership expanded to include Special Health Care Needs benefits covering additional dental examinations, up to four cleanings per year, and anesthesia/nitrous oxide for patients with sensory processing disorders. Members access in-network providers via deltadentalnj.com and the Delta Dental mobile app.
• CancerNavigatorkeyTechnology or Integration · 1 April 2023CancerNavigator is a no-cost benefit for all UFCW National Health Plan members providing tailored cancer patient support. Oncology Nurse Navigators offer personalized information, education, and guidance on diagnosis and treatment options, help identifying well-equipped cancer treatment centers, and decision-support conversations. Available 8am–6pm EST at (201) 308-6555 or cancernavigator.com/ufcwnationalfund. Announced April 12, 2023.
• Teladoc HealthcoreTechnology or IntegrationTeladoc Health is the Fund's telehealth partner providing phone and video medical consultations for non-emergency conditions and mental health services. Eligible members can register and use accounts starting August 1. Access is via 1-800-TELADOC (835-2362) or the Teladoc mobile app. Mental health services including mental health coaching are also available through the platform. The partnership enables the Fund to offer convenient, cost-effective virtual care to members across all 70+ plan designs.
• EmpiRx HealthcoreTechnology or IntegrationEmpiRx Health is the Fund's Pharmacy Benefits Manager (PBM), handling prescription drug benefits including retail pharmacy network management and mail-order pharmacy (PrescriptionMart). Members access their EmpiRx Health portal or mobile app to view ID card info, formulary lists (Total Care Formulary), and manage prescriptions. Member Service: 1-877-908-9438. The partnership provides the Fund's nationwide prescription plan with cost-containment focus.
• VSP VisioncoreTechnology or IntegrationVSP Vision is the Fund's vision benefit partner providing eye care coverage. Members access the VSP member portal at vsp.com to find in-network providers and view vision benefit details. Note that not all Fund participants have VSP vision benefits — coverage depends on the specific employer plan design. Some vision benefits are also embedded in the medical plan.
• Sword HealthkeyTechnology or IntegrationSword Health (Sword Thrive) is the Fund's virtual physical therapy partner, providing musculoskeletal (MSK) pain treatment via wearable sensors and virtual PT sessions. Includes specialized programs for members aged 65+. Access via meet.swordhealth.com/UFCWnational. The partnership provides members with convenient, at-home PT without cost-sharing under most plans.
• BloomkeyTechnology or IntegrationBloom is the Fund's digital pelvic health care partner, providing no-cost pelvic therapy services to eligible female members. Services include educational webinars (e.g., International Women's Day webinar with Dr. Liz Santo), anonymous Q&A, and digital pelvic therapy sessions. Access via join.hibloom.com/UFCWnational. The Fund promotes Bloom through Women's Health programming and annual webinars.
• Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New JerseycoreTechnology or IntegrationHorizon BCBSNJ is the Fund's primary medical insurance network partner for many plan designs, providing in-network provider access across New Jersey and the Horizon network footprint. Provider Services: 888-456-7910. Horizon BCBSNJ is also the subject of network news — Hackensack Meridian Health terminated from the Horizon Hospital Network effective June 1, 2025. The Fund maintains machine-readable files from Horizon BCBSNJ for No Surprises Act compliance.
• HealthSmart Accel / PreferredcoreTechnology or IntegrationHealthSmart Accel (Preferred Network) is the Fund's primary medical provider network for West Coast and many other regions. Provider Services: 800-687-0500 (California only). Provider search available at providerlookup.healthsmart.com/ufcw. Note: Sutter Health/Gould providers are out-of-network for both HealthSmart and the UFCW National Plan. The Fund provides provider search instructions and a nomination form for physicians to join the HealthSmart network.
• ZelissupportingTechnology or IntegrationZelis facilitates ACH reimbursement and STD benefit payment processing for the Fund. The Fund announced ACH option availability for reimbursement and Short-Term Disability benefit payments in July 2023, enabling direct bank transfers for member reimbursements instead of paper checks.
• MagnacaresupportingTechnology or IntegrationMagnacare is a provider network partner referenced in the Fund's machine-readable file disclosures for No Surprises Act and Transparency in Coverage compliance. The Fund maintains MRF data from Magnacare for price transparency requirements.
• The Segal CompanycoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerThe Segal Company serves as the Fund's health consultant. Pit Fu is Vice President and Health Consultant at The Segal Company (333 West 34th Street, New York, NY 10011-2402), advising on plan design, cost-containment strategy, and healthcare policy compliance. The Segal relationship is part of the Fund's professional governance structure.
• Slevin & Hart, P.C.coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSlevin & Hart, P.C. serves as the Fund's legal counsel (Fund's Counsel), specializing in employee benefits law. Located at 1300 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20036. Provides legal guidance on ERISA compliance, plan governance, and regulatory matters.
• Novak Francella, LLPcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerNovak Francella, LLP (Michael Novak, C.P.A.) serves as the Fund's accountant, located at Two Bala Plaza, Suite 501, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004. Provides accounting and audit services for the Fund's financial operations.
• Compliancy GroupsupportingTechnology or IntegrationCompliancy Group provides HIPAA compliance certification and monitoring for the Fund. The Fund displays the HIPAA Seal of Compliance from Compliancy Group on its website, with a digital certificate available for download. This supports the Fund's HIPAA Privacy Rule compliance program.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves8 records

Broad incumbents

• UnitedHealth Group (UnitedHealthcare): Largest U.S. health insurer offering commercial, ASO, stop-loss, and Optum-integrated health services to multi-employer and national accounts. Sets the benchmark for network breadth, PBM scale, and digital health bundles that self-insured MEWAs such as UFCW National Fund compete against.
• Elevance Health (Anthem): Major U.S. health insurer offering commercial, group, and ASO/TPA products to multi-employer and large-group customers. Competes head-to-head with self-insured ERISA plans like UFCW National Fund on pricing, network, and value-added services across national accounts.
• Kaiser Foundation Health Plan: One of the largest U.S. not-for-profit integrated health plans, providing employer-sponsored group health coverage and competing for the same multi-employer and large-employer RFPs as UFCW National Fund. Its integrated care model and broad provider networks position it as a credible alternative for UFCW employers considering fully-insured or ASO arrangements.
• The Cigna Group: Global health services and insurance carrier with extensive employer stop-loss, ASO, and TPA offerings targeting large-group and Taft-Hartley plans. Pools deep PBM, behavioral, and specialty-care capabilities that overlap with UFCW National Fund's EmpiRx, Teladoc, and CancerNavigator partnerships.

Direct peers

• Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Trust Fund: Multi-employer, Taft-Hartley-governed welfare and pension trust serving Teamsters locals across the western U.S. Operates under the same ERISA self-insured multiemployer model as UFCW National Fund and faces identical dynamics: CBA-driven contributions, labor-management trusteeship, and similar member demographics across logistics, grocery, and food processing.
• National Electrical Benefit Fund (NEBF): Taft-Hartley multi-employer health and welfare trust administered for IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) members under collective bargaining. Runs the same ERISA self-funded multiemployer architecture, labor-management governance, and negotiated contribution model as the UFCW National Fund, with comparable scale.
• UFCW Local 1500 Welfare Fund: Welfare benefit fund established for UFCW Local 1500 members in the New York City area under the same parent union. Operates as a comparable self-insured, CBA-negotiated multiemployer welfare plan servicing UFCW members and families, with overlapping governance conventions and benefit designs.
• New England Teamsters & Trucking Industry Benefits Fund: Multi-employer Taft-Hartley welfare benefit fund serving Teamsters members across New England in trucking, warehousing, and related industries. Directly comparable in structure (ERISA self-insured, CBA-funded, joint labor-management trusteeship) and in member-industry overlap with UFCW's food retail and logistics members.
• New York State Teamsters Health & Hospital Fund: Multi-employer union welfare benefit plan providing health benefits to Teamsters members in upstate New York. Mirrors the UFCW National Fund's CBA-negotiated contributions, multiemployer self-insured design, and use of regional provider network partners, with overlap in food and distribution employers.
• UFCW Local 770 Health & Welfare Fund: UFCW Local 770 (Southern California) affiliated health and welfare benefits fund for grocery, retail, and food processing workers. Functions as a sibling Taft-Hartley welfare fund to UFCW National Fund, serving overlapping member populations under the same union umbrella with self-insured multiemployer structure.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about UFCW National Health and Welfare Fund