UHA Health Insurance Leverages Relationship with Federal Home Loan Bank to Donate $12,500 to Hawai‘i HomeOwnership Center

Honolulu, HI (June 12, 2025) – UHA Health Insurance, a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, has brought a total of $12,500 to Hawai‘i HomeOwnership Center (HHOC).

HHOC believes that higher rates of homeownership create stronger families and communities. The nonprofit provides support and information to first-time homeowners, as well as education to those struggling to remain in their homes.

“As Hawai‘i’s only homegrown, physician-founded health insurer, we believe it is our kuleana to care for Hawai‘i’s people,” explains Stevette Santiago, chief HR and brand officer at UHA Health Insurance. “Stable housing has a powerful impact on health outcomes and is critical for long-term wellness. The matching grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines helps us amplify our support of HHOC, which we believe is building stronger communities through its transformative work.”

“UHA is a valued partner in creating opportunities for our local residents to have a safe and stable home, which is the foundation for success for our children in school, our workforce and our neighborhoods. The generous support from UHA and the Federal Home Loan Bank is an investment in equipping first-time buyers with education, coaching and access to resources to become successful homeowners,” said Reina M. Miyamoto, executive director of HHOC.

UHA Health Insurance, a member of FHLB since 2020, is proud to be one of the few local non-financial institutions that is a member of the system, which provides critical financial and economic information and commentary. The relationship helps UHA Health better strategically plan for its own members.

Of the 27 Hawai‘i organizations that are members of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, 25 are financial institutions, while one is a property insurance company; UHA Health is the only local health insurance company.

The FHLB Member Impact Fund matches up to $3 for every $1 of a member’s contribution to their select non-profit. UHA was awarded a 1.5 match this year.

UHA Health Insurance believes that stable housing improves well-being and overall health. It is firm believer in the value of HHOC programs; UHA is committed to partnering with HHOC to present educational sessions for UHA’s employees to help them afford and keep their homes.

In addition, this year UHA is extending its longstanding “Wellness Bucks” employee benefit program to now cover HHOC’s one-time lifetime membership fees for any UHA employees who want to participate in the homebuyer education class and receive homeownership coaching, post-purchase support and free supplemental workshops.

The impact of housing on health and well-being is an even more critical concern for the underserved. Last quarter, UHA donated funds to Project Vision Hawai‘i Hiehie Hygiene Outreach for a Maui-based mobile hygiene trailer, which offers not only hot showers and laundry facilities, but also access to critical resources including medical care, health screenings, housing assistance, social services and health education to the island’s most vulnerable communities – including those experiencing homelessness and those impacted by the 2023 wildfires. Project Vision, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to health and human services, dedicated the new hygiene trailer on April 16.

About UHA Health Insurance
UHA Health Insurance – through one of the largest physician networks in Hawai‘i – provides medical, drug and vision plans to more than 4,200 Hawai‘i employer groups and over 57,000 members. It is the only homegrown health plan founded by physicians themselves: University of Hawai‘i John A. Burns School of Medicine educators. UHA continues to be physician-led with an aim to influence healthcare in Hawai‘i for the better, while granting its members access to high quality care; it was the first in the state to offer health plans focused on wellness and prevention of disease. By meeting strict quality standards to ensure clinically sound decision-making that respects the rights of patients and medical providers, UHA received accreditation in Health Utilization Management through URAC, the independent non-profit that promotes healthcare quality. For information, visit uhahealth.com.

###