Overture 04-8. On Appointing a Task Force to Review the Medical Plan of the Board of Pensions—From the Presbytery of Abingdon.

The Presbytery of Abington overtures the 216th General Assembly (2004) to appoint a task force to review the medical plan of the Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). This task force is to be composed of nine persons appointed by the Moderator of the General Assembly. Those appointed shall have knowledge of health insurance but not be affiliated in any way with the Board of Pensions or have any conflict of interest that could perceptively influence their objectivity. This task force will report to the 217th General Assembly (2006).

Rationale

Many ministers and lay members of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) have questions concerning costs and coverage offered by the Plan. It is time for the Board of Pensions to have an administrative review. The medical plan review could be added without additional cost.

There are increasing numbers of ministers and lay members of the Plan who are expressing discontent with the escalating costs and co-pays with decreasing levels of benefits.

The increase in medical cost by the Board of Pensions appears to be greater than the cost of health care in general.

The medical cost part of the Board of Pensions’ program continues to increase.

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Plan members have been told in past years that we have one of the best medical plans offered.

This review will permit the task force to compare the Board of Pensions Plan with other denominational medical programs.

Concurrences to Overture 04-8 from the Presbyteries of Baltimore and Kiskiminetas.

Concurrence to Overture 04-8—From the Presbytery of Palisades (with Additional Rationale).

Rationale

1. The Board of Pensions Plan of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) currently prohibits the enrollment of clergy in temporary relationships employed less than twenty hours per week, thereby denying presbyteries from utilizing temporary, part-time positions to fulfill the mission of specific churches, as well as denying presbyteries their responsibility “… for the mission and government of the church throughout its geographical district (G-11.0103).”

2. The policy of the Board of Pensions billing churches for part-time positions to pay medical dues at a full-time rate places an undue burden on small congregations and part-time ministers, and also encroaches on presbytery ability to discharge its authority to direct its mission.