Pastors just as healthy as others
by Karl SommersPrint Article Email to a Friend
Despite age and possible job-related stress, Mennonites pastors are just as healthy and even healthier compared to other insurance pools.
More than 30 representatives from the health insurance pools representing the employees of Mennonite Church USA congregations, area conferences, agencies and related institutions learned this from a study of the pastors in the current health plan (COMB).
The representatives met in Middlebury, Ind., March 10-11 in response to the Mennonite Church USA delegate action in July 2007 calling for all parts of the church to work together to ensure all pastors have access to basic health insurance.
Sid Richard, chief actuary of MMA, said “while claims fluctuate from year to year in each group, the pastor’s group has never been the worst, and has generally been average or better in comparison to the other groups.”
A reference group of representatives from each pool will be appointed to further develop risk-sharing options and explore additional avenues of collaboration. The group reaffirmed that its values call them to find new and better ways to help each other provide health insurance for church employees, including pastors.
By Karl Sommers for Mennonite Church USA Executive Leadership
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By Karl Sommers for Mennonite Church USA Executive Leadership
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Interesting. I've always understood the opposite. I has been explained to us in the past that one of the reasons COMB is so expensive is to cover the pastors who cannot afford insurance otherwise. I'm now confused. I always supported not leaving COMB for cheaper options because of this assumption. Looks like we've been wrong. Now I'm not sure supporting COMB makes sense! If I'm not actually helping my brother out, then why pay more!!