As a pastor or church administrator, finding the right health insurance for church staff isn't just an administrative task. It's an essential component of responsible stewardship that directly supports your ministry’s effectiveness.
But very few church leaders have an insurance background or consider themselves experts. If you find yourself in this group, this guide will provide a firm foundation that will enable you to speak with confidence when staff come to you with questions.
Selecting appropriate ministry health insurance coverage extends beyond basic financial stewardship. When pastors and staff have proper protection, they gain peace of mind knowing that unexpected financial challenges from medical needs won't derail their calling.
And a good plan doesn’t just protect your well-being. According to Peterson-KFF, it is also protection against medical debt, which is a leading indicator of overall health in the United States.
However, providing health benefits for church staff does come with an additional challenge: someone has to administer them. If that’s you, there is a lot of industry-standard terminology that you should know.
Knowing how to talk about plans and benefits often feels like learning a foreign language. Here are the key terms that those who administer health insurance for church staff should understand:
Understanding provider networks is also essential in making access to services simple:
Once you have the terminology down, it is beneficial to understand how benefits are paid out.
A clear understanding of how costs are shared within your health plan for church staff can make it easier for them to access their benefits. And you’ll help prevent surprising medical bills.
If you are the one who has to make the decision on which plan to purchase, understanding these cost-sharing mechanisms is important.
When medical care is needed, you'll first pay out-of-pocket until you meet your deductible. Afterward, you'll share costs through copayments or coinsurance until reaching your out-of-pocket maximum. This is the annual ceiling on your financial responsibility. Once this threshold is met, your insurance covers 100% of additional covered services.
For example, with a plan featuring a $2,000 deductible, 20% coinsurance, and $6,000 out-of-pocket maximum, a $10,000 hospital stay would cost:
Your plan would cover the remaining $6,400.
In some instances, a claim can also be denied. There are many reasons this could happen. The good news is that a denial is usually not the final answer.
Beyond primary medical coverage, it’s important to evaluate whether supplemental protection is needed. Some plans have options for extended coverage, added vision and dental insurance, and include a prescription drug plan. Many offer complimentary resources, like diabetes and weight management, that your staff can access online as well.
It’s helpful to consider all the options a plan offers when thinking about value vs. budget. The complexities of health insurance shouldn't distract from your church's mission. Here's how to approach this important aspect of ministry stewardship with confidence.
By treating staff health insurance as an important aspect of ministry stewardship, you're not just processing paperwork. You're ensuring your team can focus on supporting the ministry without healthcare worries.
It’s helpful to consider your ministry’s health insurance plan every year. As staff and their needs change, it’s possible that the plan you offer isn’t as useful as it once was.
Here are 5 quick tips to keep on top of the shifting needs of your staff:
If your current benefits for church staff aren't meeting needs, consider approaching your board or leadership team with specific recommendations, including:
If it becomes clear that your church needs different options for health insurance, it makes sense to look for expert assistance. They can transform a potentially overwhelming process into a straightforward decision.
Proper health insurance for church staff isn't just about financial protection — it directly supports ministry effectiveness. When the need arises, comprehensive health insurance allows pastors and staff to seek timely care without financial stress, helping them return to ministry sooner and serve more effectively.
Unlike traditional insurance brokers, Reformed Benefits Association works exclusively with churches and faith-based organizations. This specialized focus means we understand the unique budgetary constraints, staffing needs, and ministry priorities that influence your insurance decisions.
Interpreting important information about church health insurance for staff shouldn't distract from your calling. As you consider the best path forward for your church's needs, having the right resources can make all the difference.
To help you navigate these important decisions, we've created a comprehensive health plan comparison guide that walks you through the key considerations for your ministry team's coverage.
Download our free church health plan comparison guide to ensure you're asking the right questions and considering all the essential factors for your church's unique needs.
The information contained in this blog is for educational purposes only. Please seek professional advice before acting on the information you have read above.