It's time to prepare for annual enrollment in the Medical Plan Traditional Program -  a new process through which PC(USA) churches and other employing organizations (employers) can make medical coverage level changes chosen by their employees for 2015.  In most cases*, a Traditional Program member's eligible family members can be added or dropped from plan coverage - but only during the enrollment period held each year - October 1 through November 14, 2014.

In September 2014, The Board of Pensions published and mailed to each church/employer "Your Guide to Making Medical Coverage-Level Changes" which explains how to notify the Board of Coverage level changes. Making these changes accurately and within the annual enrollment time frame ensures members are enrolled in the appropriate medical coverage level and employers receive invoices reflecting their employees' choices for 2015. During annual enrollment, members whose eligible family members have access to medical coverage elsewhere, such as other-employer coverage, may waive them from Medical Plan coverage for the following year, and their organizations' dues will reflect Member-only coverage. The Guide explains how employers can make those changes for their employees. Keep in mind, if employers do not notify the Board of Pensions of a change to medical coverage level during this annual enrollment period, the member and eligible family members will continue to be covered in 2015 as they are in 2014; the employing organization will be billed accordingly.

If you'll be making any medical coverage level changes for plan members, please take the time to read the Guide carefully so you understand the actions you will need to take. If you have questions, please call the Board of Pensions at 800-773-7752 (800-PRESPLAN) and speak with a member service representative.

* except for qualifying life events - see BOP ENR-101 for more information.

Medical Dues Sharing

The Presbytery of Wabash Valley has adopted the policy [below] that churches within the presbytery do not require employees to contribute any of the allowable Board of Pensions dues-share amount for 2015.

Rationale: 

• Maintains covenant with pastors and families called under the previous dues plan.
• Allows flexibility for pastors whose families are covered by another plan, such as a spouse's employer.

In December, the Board should send the church a confirmation statement indicating that the coverage level will remain the same as it is now. It also will show the dues for your 2015 medical coverage. To review the 2015 dues schedule for family and member only coverage please go to 2015 Dues Schedule. The Board offers a number of tools for church administrators including Effective Salary and Dues calculators at www.pensions.org

If you have questions, please call the Board of Pensions at 800-773-7752 (800-PRESPLAN) and speak with a member service representative.

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Why Focus on Developing Your Staff as Leaders?

by David L. Odom