Traditional Coverage

The Medical Plan is a non-contributory plan covering Benefits Plan members and their eligible family members. Eligible family members include:

• spouses
• dependent children until age 21 or marriage, if earlier*
• dependent children until age 25 if unmarried and a full-time student in post-secondary studies*
• dependent permanently disabled children covered under the Plan before they attain age 21 or age 25 if a full-time post-secondary student (coverage can be continued beyond age 21 with periodic verification of disability status)*

*Please note: If your child was covered by the Medical Plan on June 1, 2010 and loses eligibility, refer to the Extended Medical Plan Coverage section of the Frequently Asked Questions page.

Churches are mandated to enroll called and installed clergy [Book of Order G-14.0534]. Ministers of the Word and Sacrament may enroll when in specialized ministries and temporary pastoral positions.

Churches and other employing organizations may enroll non-mandated clergy and lay employees who work at least 20 hours a week in eligible church employment; they must be consistent in their Benefit Plan enrollment practices, providing the same level of benefits for employees in the same employment classification.

Seminary students under the care of presbytery may subscribe for medical coverage when enrolled for full-time study. Coverage levels are:

• member only
• member and spouse
• member and children
• member and family

Dependent Coverage Waiver

You can waive coverage for your spouse and/or dependent children provided they have comparable medical coverage through another employer or military services-related group healthcare plan. For more information, please see Administrative Rule 206.

Note: Choosing this option will not affect the benefit dues paid by your employing organization.

Affiliated Benefits Program

The Affiliated Benefits Program provides employing organizations the option of offering the same coverage as traditional coverage options under the Benefits Plan, with the exception of the defined-benefit pension component. It is open to churches and other employing organizations affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Medical coverage can be offered on a partially contributory or non-contributory basis.

This flexible program can be offered to employees who do not currently participate in traditional coverage under the Benefits Plan. These may include:

• ministers not serving in called and installed positions
• lay and part-time workers, such as administrative and custodial staff

Employees must work at least 20 hours a week. Members enrolled in traditional coverage for full or limited participation cannot transition to the Affiliated Benefits Program.

The program includes:

• Medical benefits
• Death and disability coverage

Optional coverages include:

• Dental program
• Supplemental death benefits
• Supplemental disability benefits
• Retirement savings plan
• Long-term care insurance

For employers interested or already enrolled in the Affiliated Benefits Program, click here for more information.