NEWS RELEASE
Oct. 9, 2013
The Corinthian Plan launches open enrollment
The stable and financially sound plans sets rates and prepares for coverage in 2014
ELKHART, Ind. – The Corinthian Plan has begun an open enrollment, which will continue to March 31, 2014, for employees of eligible Mennonite Church USA congregations. The open enrollment matches that of the Insurance Marketplaces, set up as part of the Affordable Care Act.
If congregations would like to enroll in the plan outside of the open enrollment window, they still may apply but must go through an underwriting process.
The open enrollment change was one of several updates The Corinthian Plan Board approved at its recent fall meeting.
Despite a projected national medical inflation rate of 10.5 percent, the average premium increase for The Corinthian Plan will be less than half that amount – but it will vary by congregation, based on demographic changes.
Congregations participating in the plan but waiving health coverage will see a reduction in the waiver fee in 2014. Other costs, such as dental and vision premiums and Fair Balance Fund contributions, will remain the same.
The Corinthian Plan continues to maintain stable participation and a strong financial position as the 2014 plan year begins on January 1.
“We are pleased with what The Corinthian Plan is able to accomplish as it covers nearly 450 congregations and over 1,000 lives,” said Keith Harder, Director of the Corinthian Plan. “And the Board continues to analyze the long-term impact on the plan of the Affordable Care Act.”
Harder said the Board will continue to evaluate The Corinthian Plan to ensure it continues to advance the goals of the church and the needs of the congregations it serves. The Corinthian Plan is administered by Everence Financial, a stewardship agency of MCUSA.
“The Church Alliance, of which Everence is a member, continues to encourage lawmakers to make changes to the health care law that would solidify the ongoing value of The Corinthian Plan for the denomination, but it will take some time before we get a clear picture of what any changes will be or will look like,” Harder said.
The Corinthian Plan is an investment in the health and the health care of pastors and church staff and is owned by Mennonite Church USA and its participating congregations. It provides benefits to staff of the Executive Board, Mennonite Mission Network, Everence and Associated Mennonite Schools and Camps. Everence administers the plan, and claims are paid by Blue Cross Blue Shield.
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For more information, contact:
Keith Harder
(866) 866-2872 ext. 34255
keithh [at] mennoniteusa.org