Brethren Benefit Trust board approves new wellness initiative.

In addition to business relating to investment with Caterpillar, the Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) Board ratified its 2006 budget, approved a new wellness initiative, and proposed organizational changes among other business at its November meeting.

The board ratified a proposed 2006 expense budget of $3,041,460, including a new wellness initiative and an increased emphasis on promoting BBT's ministries throughout the denomination.

BBT's new wellness initiative calls for a new focus on improving or sustaining the physical and mental health of Brethren nationwide, including Brethren Medical Plan members. The ministry is expected to be a collaboration among BBT, the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) and the General Board. It is to be implemented through the hiring of a staff member who will be lodged with ABC.

BBT's increased promotional emphasis includes approval of hiring up to one additional staff member. It calls for increased relationship building between BBT and the Church of the Brethren through activities that range from one-on-one interaction to participation at select denominational events.

Proposed changes to BBT's Articles of Organization were adopted. The BBT Board will select four members of its board rather than the current three, under the proposal. A related change will allow the board to appoint additional people to serve as board advisors in a non-voting capacity, further enabling the board to bring people to the discussion table to complement the skills of current voting members.

If the proposed changes are adopted by Annual Conference, beginning in 2007 the BBT Board will include four members nominated by BBT, four nominated by members of the Pension Plan, and four elected by Annual Conference.

The proposed changes give the BBT Board greater flexibility to seek out members with backgrounds and skills the board requires to give adequate oversight to the programs of the agency. Skill areas currently needed on the board include banking and credit union operations, human resources, information systems, insurance, and financial planning.

In a report on the Brethren Medical Plan, claims experience has been better than expected for the first nine months of 2005. Data through the end of September show claims paid at approximately 85 percent of premiums billed. Jeff Garber, director of Brethren Insurance Plans, cautioned the board that although this experience is positive it can change quickly.

At the time of the board meeting, preliminary enrollment figures for 2006 appeared to be slightly higher than for 2005 including about a dozen congregations new to the plan. However, by early December, about 753 primary insurees (not including dependents) have enrolled for 2006 compared with 819 in January 2005. This decline of 66 members includes 25 active employees and 41 retirees. Given Annual Conference delegates' call for congregations and church agencies to support the plan during a one-year period, Garber said the decline is a disappointment and reason for concern.

The Church Workers Assistance Plan continues to provide financial support to active and retired employees of the church. The board increased the Retired Church Workers Grants' maximum income guidelines for support in 2006 by 4.7 percent to $27,100 for couples and $20,400 for singles. This increase matches the rise in the Consumer Price Index for the 12 months through September. Five clergy members have received grants from the Active Church Worker Support ministry in 2005. Another 14 retirees have received grants from the Retiree Church Workers Insurance Premium ministry, with an average monthly grant of $205. A total of 40 retired employees have received support from the Retired Church Workers ministry. The average participant received a monthly grant of $319.

In other actions the board welcomed some 20 retirees, pastors, and church board chairs to a special session on BBT programs and services; adopted a resolution on the housing allowance for retired ministers; and awarded payments totaling $117,683 to participants in the Supplemental Income for Equitable Annuitants program.

For more information about BBT see www.brethrenbenefittrust.org.

Source: 12/14/2005 Newsline
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