As the Brotherhood Health Plan is terminated, you may have many questions about how this change will affect you and your congregation. Below are some answers you may find useful. Also, Arlene Ray, benefits administrator, will continue to be available through June 30, 2006, to assist all pastors, treasurers, and church boards in this transition.

What does this mean to you as a pastor and/or church?

Each church board will now be responsible to secure health insurance for their pastor(s). Bishops are considering the establishment and communication of minimum coverage guidelines for insurance coverage so that all pastors have a standard level of coverage.
When a pastor changes assignments from one church to another, health insurance coverage may also change since there will no longer be an overarching plan. You will need to coordinate the termination of one plan and the initiation of another with the churches you are leaving and entering so you are not left for a period of time with no coverage.

What practical steps should I/we take?

Church boards should begin the search for new coverage right away. The negotiation of a contract can take 2–2½ months if you are negotiating it on your own. We suggest you start with a Blue Cross or Blue Shield plan in your state. Since pastor(s) are presently covered by Capital Blue Cross, upon termination of BHP you will have the option to convert your existing policy to an individual or small group plan. If your pastor(s) are fairly healthy and basically use insurance for preventive visits, you may want to consider a high deductible plan with a Health Savings Account (HSA). If they have major health issues at present, you may want to continue with a tradition plan.

How will we help you in this time of transition?

For plan participants: letters of creditable coverage will be issued in mid-May from the benefits office. You should present this letter to your new insurance company so that pre-existing conditions will not be a factor in your change of insurance. If you secure insurance prior to July 1, feel free to contact Arlene Ray for such a letter at the time of your termination.
For both church boards and plan participants: Arlene Ray, benefits administrator, is available between now and June 30, 2006 to answer any further questions or to help you understand the different plans you may be reviewing and how they compare with our present plan.
An insurance broker has agreed to make his staff available to any churches that would like his office to negotiate plans on their behalf. There is no cost involved in using a broker. To be put in touch with the broker, please contact Arlene Ray.

Read the full news release about the termination of the Brotherhood Health Plan.

Contact Arlene Ray, benefits administrator: aray@messiah.edu or (717) 697-2634.

WELCOME