EPO Premier and EPO Select

As part of an expanded range of choices, six medical options will be available in 2027, giving employers more flexibility to choose a plan that fits their needs and budgets. Each option delivers high-quality coverage and outstanding benefits.

Members in an EPO option have access to the same Blue Cross Blue Shield (BlueCard PPO) national provider network* of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare providers as employees enrolled in either of the PPO options, and no referrals are needed for care.

The EPO options do not cover out-of-network care; however, most current Medical Plan members receive care from network providers.

Coverage details

Here are key details about EPO Premier and EPO Select coverage**:

• Members pay a flat copay for many types of outpatient services, including doctor's office or urgent care center visits; telemedicine consultations; outpatient lab work; X-rays; and physical, speech, and occupational therapy, while other services require members to pay an annual deductible before the plan pays benefits.

Annual deductibles

• Members pay an annual deductible for in- and outpatient hospital services and surgery.*
  
• With EPO Premier, when the deductible is reached, members pay 20% (their coinsurance) and the plan pays 80% for these services.
• For EPO Select, when the deductible is reached, members pay 30% (their coinsurance) and the plan pays 70% for these services.
• When the annual total maximum out-of-pocket amount is met, the plan pays 100% of allowable charges for the rest of the calendar year.
  

Read more details about the out-of-pocket costs for EPO participants in 2026. For the Premier and Select options for 2027, use the online Medical Plan Comparison Tool for more details, including which services require a copay versus those that are subject to the annual deductible and coinsurance.

*All PPO, EPO, and HDHP medical options use the BlueCard PPO program, allowing members to access participating Blue Cross Blue Shield doctors, hospitals, and other providers across the country.

**The existing EPO option offered in 2026 and the EPO Premier option offered in 2027 are identical.

Value-added features

Both EPO options include unique features — available with all medical options — that provide exceptional value and promote well-being and wholeness.

• Generous preventive care benefits
• Prescription drug benefits
• Call to Health
  
• Telemedicine benefit
  
• Mental Well-Being and Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
  
• Centers of Excellence
  
• Diabetes management program
  
• Virtual physical therapy program
  
• International medical care
  
• Vision exam benefit

Personalized support through care navigation

The EPO also includes care navigation through Quantum Health. Care navigation guides members and their covered family members to high-quality care and helps them make the most of their medical benefits. It enhances the value of medical benefits through the Board of Pensions — at no additional cost to the member or employer.

Eligibility

Employers may choose to offer either or both EPO options to employees who are regularly scheduled to work at least 20 hours a week. There is no work-hour requirement for ministers in self-employed validated service to participate in these medical options. Employers may also choose to offer the EPO medical options to employees enrolled in the Covenant Package. Note: PPO medical coverage (PPO Premier medical coverage for 2027) is included with Transitional Pastor’s Participation and the Congregational Pastors Package.