In This Issue

 

Open Enrollment

Open Enrollment Webinar

        

October 2013

 

I imagine that you are busy with your stewardship plan implementation and are beginning to plan your 2014 budget. I trust that those of you who attended Stewardship 101 on September 28, or have taken advantage of the numerous web-based offerings from the Episcopal Church Foundation, are energized to get going on your plan!

Highlighting the work of the diocesan personnel committee this month, I want to draw your attention to the article on templates. The personnel committee developed these templates and continue to refine them. Also, please see the article below regarding open enrollment and plan selection for 2014.

At the Office of Bishop, the finance and admin staff is hard at work on the diocesan budget for 2014. In addition, we are conducting ten congregational audits and following up on audit findings from internal audits. We are always available for consultation on finance, human resources, and accounting. Feel free to email Rosa Feeney or me about these issues. I especially encourage you to contact me in the hiring and termination processes.

Thank you for all your hard work. Our diocese is blessed to have all of you providing stewardship of your individual congregations.

Respectfully,
Canon Julie Young

Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), all employers subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) are required by the Department of Labor to provide a notice to each of their employees no later than October 1, 2013 that describes the healthcare coverage that will be available through the ACA's Health Insurance Marketplace (Marketplace). An employer failing to deliver the notice would be violating the FLSA and the ACA, and may be subject to investigation and penalties. It's not too late!

 

Because you may have employees who must receive the federally-mandated notice, we are providing this explanatory letter and the accompanying materials to help your congregation or organization comply with the federal requirements.

In 2010, the federal government enacted the ACA with the aim of increasing access to affordable healthcare benefits that provide a minimum standard of health benefits. When key parts of this healthcare statute take effect in 2014, individuals and small businesses will be able to buy health insurance through the Marketplace.

 

Read the Full Article

 

The other new plan is designed for active employees over the age of 65. Medicare requires active employees to use their employee-offered plan as their primary insurance and medicare as their secondary insurance. However, medicare allows a waiver to this rule for small employers. This is the first year that the Medical Trust has participated in this waiver option. Both the church and the employee can realize a savings over the other plans. If you are interested, contact Julie Young.

Open Enrollment is from October 31 to November 21. The Medical Trust will mail materials the week prior. We will have a webinar specific to our diocese on Thursday, Nov. 7 at 3 p.m. For more information, contact Julie Young.

Webinar: How to Make the HDHP/HSA Work for You
The High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) is underused as an affordable alternative to our traditional plans. In 2014, it will be even more affordable, relatively speaking, in that the percentage increase is less than other plans. The Medical Trust will provide four webinars open to anyone who wants to learn more about the HDHPs and the associated Health Savings Accounts (HSA). These voluntary sessions will give members and group administrators an opportunity to hear a comprehensive overview, ask questions and hear tips on how to make these plans work. The sessions will be held on the following dates. Advanced registration is required!

Tuesday, October 15, 10 a.m. PST
To register, click here: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/371355534  

Tuesday, October 29, 12 p.m. PST
To register, click here: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/580728622 

Tuesday, November 12, 2 p.m. PST
To register, click here: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/921545342 

The personnel committee is working on templates for your use. This month, we have added a lay employee letter of agreement and an independent contractor agreement to the website. Next month, a series of templates associated with processing a new employee will be added.

Lay Employee Letter of Agreement Template(PDF) 

Independent Contractor Agreement Template(PDF)

Independent Contractor Agreement Instructions(PDF)

We mailed each church a letter with its mission share pledge form on Oct. 4. Pledges are due Friday, November 15. The diocese continues to provide resources in time and money to churches and ministries. We can't do it without you! Please take a look at the letter and form and send your completed, lavender form back by Nov. 15.

We appreciate those churches who have already submitted their 2012 audits. We know that the audit workbook provided this year was helpful to many of you but required extra work. We are appreciative of the efforts of the audit committees of all the churches; please give them a shout-out for us!