Benefits News & Announcements
SEPTEMBER 2010
Early Notification of 2011 Medical Plan/Prescription Drug Plan Changes and Rates
In the past we have communicated any Medical/Prescription Drug Plan changes as well as rate increases during the early part of September. Because the members of our Board are also pastors and ruling elders in our churches we understand that such an early notification provides churches with information of vital importance in the development of budgets for 2011.
Unfortunately, due to the unprecedented complexity of changes introduced by Health Care Reform legislation and other circumstances, we find it necessary to delay the publication of Plan changes and rate increases until 10/15/10. As you may well imagine, a small plan like ours is particularly susceptible to significant variation, either for the good or bad, to changes in government regulation (from which we have, for the most part previously been exempt), market changes, the volume and severity of health claims processed and matters of that nature. We're hopeful that this six week delay will give us a clearer picture of any actions that need to be taken so we can continue to insure the health of our Plan participaants.
We appologize in advance for any inconvenence this delay may cause, but hope that you can appreciate our desire to "get the numbers right" when we notify you of any changes.
Ron Horgan Michael Leighton Chairman, Board of Benefits Director of Benefits
MAY 2010
Impact of Healthcare Reform by Stated Clerk Jeff Jeremiah
The impact of the Healthcare reform signed into law earlier this year continues to be a topic of great importance for all of us; and especially for those who are members of the EPC medical plan.
The Board of Benefits, led by Board chair Milton Knowlton, Insurance sub-committee chair John Baird and Benefits Director Michael Leighton is working very hard to monitor, understand and interpret the impact of this legislation. The General Assembly Office receives regular reports on healthcare reform from the Church Alliance, which works on behalf of church benefits programs such as ours. It must be acknowledged that the final impact of these reforms is largely unknown at this point, due to the fact that most of the reform regulations will not be implemented until 2014. While monitoring developments on a weekly basis, the Board is aggressively exploring all options as we go forward, given the fluid state of affairs for medical plans such as ours.
In the meantime it’s “business as usual” for the EPC medical plan. Reform regulations called for in this year are being implemented. We are blessed to have outstanding individuals serving as members of our Board of Benefits and staff.
MAY 2009
Linda DiVeto appointed Benefits Administrator
- Effective March 23, 2009, Ms. Linda DiVeto will become the Benefits Administrator at the EPC Office of the General Assembly. Linda brings with her significant experience in the whole realm of benefits administration. In addition, she has highly specialized skills relative to 403(b) plan administration. Linda replaces Mrs. Janet Bain who is retiring from 25 years of service to the EPC. Please join us as we welcome Linda to her new position.
AUGUST 2007
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Express Scripts New Pharmacy identification Cards
SEPTEMBER 2006
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2007 Plan: Premium Increase, Benefit Improvements & Open Enrollment Period
AUGUST 2006
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Medical Plan Advisory: Enrollments & Terminations
MAY 2006
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HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices dated May 31, 2006
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Fidelity Letter regarding Fund Changes effective June 1, 2006
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Summary of Investment Fund Options effective June 1, 2006
FEBRUARY 2006
- Statement of Investment Policies and Objectives adopted 2-25-2006
OCTOBER 2005
SEPTEMBER 2005
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2006 Premium Notice - 0% Increase
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Notice of December 2005 Premium Holiday
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Notice of Creditable Coverage for Medicare Part D
APRIL 2005
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Retirement Security Concerns for many future EPC retirees
SEPTEMBER 2004
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Medical Plan coverage/premium changes and open-enrollment period
June 2004
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Statement-On-Demand from Fidelity Investments. A new, free service that lets your access and print out your personal account statment - on line, any time, day or night.
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Asset Allocation: What is it and why it's so important to your future? Fidelity Investments on Asset Allocation
May 2004
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Medicare Participants: Questions & Answers on medicare-endorsed discount cards
March 2004
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Chairman's letter regarding BCBSA's website enhancements
December 2003
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Chairman's letter regarding Blue Card program beginning on January 1, 2004
October 2003
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Chairman's letter to non-participating pastors encouraging compliance
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Chairman's letter reminding those 50 and older of opportunity for "catch up contributions"
September 2003
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Chairman's letter re new plan developments and 2004 premiums

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