Solo pastors often receive the highest premiums and the least stability when shopping for health coverage on their own.
Through a combination of association support, pooled group purchasing, and an integrated payroll partner, solo pastors can now access the same long-term stability and competitive pricing that larger ministries enjoy without navigating the process alone.
Cedar Health Alliance changes that.
Who Qualifies?
How it Works
- The pastor is the sole or primary ministry staff member
- The church is willing to contribute at least 50% of the health premium
- The pastor works enough hours to qualify for health benefits (hours requirements apply only to ancillary benefits)
- The pastor is part of, or willing to join, an eligible association
If you aren’t currently affiliated with an association, our team will help you join one as part of the onboarding process.
How Coverage Works
- Pastor only
- Pastor + spouse
- Pastor + children
You will complete a health application, and your rates will be based on your individual health profile in combination with your regional ministry group.
How Solo Pastors are Grouped
- By region, and
- By active participation in their ministry context
This structure exists because these pastors share similar ministry realities—not because they are coming together for benefits. The shared ministry context allows CHA to offer more predictable, stable pricing than the individual market typically provides.
Why Solo Pastors Choose CHA
Solo but Supported
- More stable renewal strategy
- A true ministry-based support structure
- Administrative support you don’t have to manage by yourself
You can keep your doctor. CHA will help verify network access during underwriting.
Because CHA is structured as a captive model, participating ministries share in the overall risk and experience more predictable renewals over time.
Many solo pastors find CHA more affordable than purchasing an individual plan, especially when the church contributes 50%.
Cost Advantages
Long Term Stability
Keep your Doctor
A Better Alternative to "Going it Alone"
Our Integrated Payroll Partner:
- All church payroll must run through ProLiant
- Minimum frequency: monthly
- The church pays the payroll costs
- Correct handling of housing allowance
- Compliance-ready payroll
- Full tax reporting
- Clear payroll deduction of the pastor’s portion of premiums
The church pays the full premium to the plan, and the pastor’s portion—if any—is then deducted via payroll.
To ensure compliant premium processing and smooth administration, solo pastors must run church payroll through ProLiant, our integrated payroll partner.
the process
- Complete the CHA enrollment form below.
- This includes your census information and you will also be asked to complete a health application.
- We compile and send the best quotes over to you
- Your team reviews
- Once approved, your plan is finalized and start date determined
- Enrollment begins
1. Submit Your Information
2. Underwriting & Rate Proposal
3. enroll & Begin Coverage
Optional Additions for Retirement Plans and Business Solutions. Please indicate on your form if you're interested in these options.
- After enrollment, ProLiant will complete payroll onboarding for your church.
4. ProLiant Payroll SEtup
No problem. We’ll work with you to either build your own plan or integrate additional staff into a group structure.
What happens if we later hire staff?
Cedar Health Alliance requires at least a 50% employer contribution.
If your church cannot contribute at that level, Stoneford will help you explore alternative solutions outside of CHA. stoneford.com/healthinsurance
What if my church can’t contribute 50%?
Often yes—particularly if you are joining an association, moving from an individual plan, or experiencing a qualifying change. We can help determine your eligibility window.
Can I keep my current Doctor?
Frequently asked questions
CHA benefits require association affiliation. If you leave the association, you would no longer be eligible for CHA.
What happens if I leave my association?
ProLiant ensures proper premium handling, tax reporting, payroll deductions, and housing-allowance support—all of which are essential for compliance.
Why do we need ProLiant?
Yes. All church payroll must be run through ProLiant to participate in CHA.
Do I need to move all church payroll to ProLiant?
The church pays the payroll costs.
