Annual Conference starts study of Brethren Medical Plan.

The delegate body of the 2005 Annual Conference adopted a resolution on the Brethren Medical Plan brought by Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT). The Brethren Medical Plan is a health insurance plan for Church of the Brethren pastors and church employees, district employees, employees of Annual Conference agencies and affiliated agencies and institutions, and their families.

"There are times in the journey when we come to a crossroads. The Brethren Medical Plan has come to a crossroads," said Standing Committee member Tim Button-Harrison introducing a recommendation that the resolution be adopted and a committee of four be elected to answer questions raised in the resolution. The Conference elected to the committee James C. Gibbel, an insurance agent and former member of the BBT board, of Lititz (Pa.) Church of the Brethren; Brian Markle, a licensed minister, of Bermudian Church of the Brethren, East Berlin, Pa.; Willie Hisey Pierson, an insurance marketing manager, of Neighborhood (Boulder Hill) Church of the Brethren, Montgomery, Ill.; and Donna Shumate, a lawyer and retiring General Board chair, of Peak Creek Church of the Brethren in Laurel Spring, N.C.

BBT has announced that the plan is in a "death spiral" caused by decreased membership, the erosion of a good spread of risk, increased health care costs, and increased premiums. BBT brought the resolution for three reasons, reported chair C. Richard Pogue: "One, the Brethren Medical Plan is important to the church. Two, the Brethren Medical Plan's future is in peril. And three, the plan belongs to the church, it belongs to all of us."

The resolution gives biblical and historical background, lists the status of medical insurance in the denomination, and asks for a study committee to evaluate the plan and "assess the continuing need for and feasibility of a denominational medical insurance plan for employees of congregations, districts, and church-related agencies." The resolution also calls on every eligible congregation, district, and church-related agency to participate in the plan from 2006 through at least the conclusion of the study.

During a short discussion, delegates expressed concern for those who are uninsurable elsewhere, asked for consideration of working with other denominations on the issue, and added a question to a list that will be presented to the committee, asking for assessment of the possibility of a denominational plan for church members as well as employees.

For more information about the Brethren Insurance Plans, call BBT at 800-746-1505.

Source: 7/07/2005 Newsline
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