Several changes to conference-funded health care for active and retired participants were approved at Annual Conference in June. 

Active participants in the conference health care program will see an 18% jump in premium costs; to $548/month for singles, and $1316/month for families.  Single coverage for retirees will increase from $56/month to $135 per month for singles; and from $113/month to $270/month for family coverage.

The Conference Board of Pensions and Health Benefits reported in the pre-conference workbook that the rationale for the increase is premiums collected last year were $320,000, while costs were $2,016,000 for the same group. 

Medicare eligible participants will also be shifted to Medicare Part D for prescription drug coverage, a move that projects a net savings to the Conference of $600,000.

The Conference Medicare Supplement Program will continue to coordinate payment with Medicare as the primary payer and the Conference plan as the secondary payer. The Conference plan will pick up 50% of prescription costs to participants who fall in the ‘doughnut hole’; providing significant support to retirees with high prescription costs.  Conference will also continue to provide dental coverage to retirees.

Changes in premium costs and the shift to Medicare Part D for those eligible will go into effect January 1, 2011. 

“I want to stress to our retirees to make sure and sign up for Medicare Part D,” said Conference Treasurer and Director of Administrative Services, Jim Berner.  He said the Conference will assume retirees make the switch, and they should start the process as soon as possible.  A letter to all Conference health care program participants sent June 14 gives specific instructions and guidance for the shift.

A vital resource available to help retirees navigate the Medicare system is the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).  Counselors from this organization will guide retirees through the Medicare process and answer any questions.  Call SHIP in West Virginia toll-free at 1-877-987-4463; or visit them online at wvship.org.

Other changes include:

-          Minimum funding levels for health care will be 70%/church; 30%/participant, effective January 1, 2011

Complete details and guidelines on all Conference Health Care Program changes were sent to all participants June 14.  The letter is also available on the Conference website, wvumc.org.

Complete details and guidelines on all Conference Health Care Program changes were sent to all participants June 14. The letter can also be read here. Questions should be directed to:

Jim Berner, Conference Treasurer and Director of Administrative Services
1-800-788-3746 or 304-344-8331, ext. 35
email: trsrr@aol.com

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