The Denominational Health Plan passed at the Diocesan 2011 convention and went into effect January 1, 2012.
Lay personnel working 1000 hours or more a year shall be offered Medical and Dental Insurance. Whatever percentage a parish pays for their clergy’s medical and dental premium, the parish must pay the same for lay personnel.
There are three exceptions for an employee to opt out.
- Lay or clergy are covered under a spouse’s plan
- Have healthcare benefits through a government sponsored program (i.e.) Medicaid or TriCare
- Coverage from a previous employer
Should a clergy person opt out because his spouse has coverage for either clergy or their children, you still must offer a family plan to lay personnel. Clergy applying for a position within the Diocese must be offered our Medical and Dental Plan. It is up to the parish/mission and the new clergy to negotiate benefits. For more information regarding the Denominational Health Plan, please contact the Insurance Administrator in the Bishop’s office.
Notice: Before calling a retired clergy who is on Medicare and has Medicare Supplemental coverage to your parish/mission, call the Diocesan Insurance Administrator to ascertain if you qualify under the Medicare Federal Regulations.