Seminarian healthcare coverage

Healthcare coverage in each medical option is the same as the coverage offered to active members of the Benefits Plan — installed pastors, ministers, and employees.

Medical options, administered by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, are:

• The preferred provider organization (PPO) option provides the highest level of coverage and offers the most flexibility.
• The exclusive provider organization (EPO) option offers comprehensive coverage for care from network providers only, at a lower monthly cost than the PPO.
• The qualified high deductible health plan (HDHP)* covers care received from network providers, and is the lowest-cost medical option available.

And after you graduate from seminary and enter the Benefits Plan as an ordained minister, remember the following:

• Minister Educational Debt Assistance Grants are available to help recently ordained ministers repay educational debt.
• You will be credited with three years of service for pension purposes. Pension credits vest at three years of service.

*Those who enroll in the HDHP option may be eligible to set up and contribute to a tax-advantaged, individual health savings account (HSA) to pay for qualified healthcare expenses.

Eligibility

You may elect Medical Plan coverage in the Benefits Plan of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) if you are

• enrolled full time in a theological seminary, graduate school of religion, divinity school, or school of Christian education, as defined by the school;
• classified as an inquirer or candidate under the care of a presbytery, preparing for a church vocation in the PC(USA); and
• not already employed in eligible service.