2027 post‑retirement medical plan update

The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is honored to serve Benefits Plan members at every stage of life, ensuring they have the coverage and care they need, particularly during their retirement. Over the past three years, the Board has offered a post-retirement medical plan through a sponsored agreement with Humana, which has largely met the needs of those enrolled.  

Since this agreement began, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) altered the Medicare landscape, resulting in changes to how CMS reimburses Medicare Advantage plans. This change generated considerable marketplace volatility for these plans. This volatility resulted in a renegotiated contract with Humana and a mutual agreement to terminate it at the end of this year (2026). In 2027, the Board of Pensions will no longer offer the Humana Group Medicare Advantage PPO plan or the Humana Group Medicare Prescription Drug Plan as our post-retirement medical and prescription drug plans.

Although costs to maintain a Medicare Advantage Plan increased unexpectedly, the Board was able to use available reserves to offset the premium increases in 2025 and 2026. It was important to us to keep our commitment of a $0 monthly premium. However, we cannot sustainably offset this cost in 2027, so we are actively pursuing other coverage options.

Once we conclude a thorough evaluation of all options for 2027, and a decision is approved by our Board of Directors, we will share the decision about the post-retirement medical plan. We anticipate that the decision will be made in July. Our objective is to support as many retired members as possible, recognizing the diverse needs of this population. We are committed to providing retired members with the details and resources needed to make coverage decisions for 2027 prior to the Medicare open enrollment period (Oct. 15-Dec. 7, 2026).

Those retiring in 2026 may still enroll in the Humana Group Medicare Advantage PPO plan and will remain enrolled through Dec. 31, 2026. Members will need to transition to a new plan for 2027 during the Medicare open enrollment period (Oct. 15-Dec. 7, 2026).

We understand that healthcare is personal and that securing the right coverage is complex. Member Services representatives will be available to answer questions Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, at 800-PRESPLAN (800-773-7752) (TTY: 711).