printer-friendly email a friend

Board of Medical Benefits considers rate increase

Written: 9/23/2009

By the Advocate
Rising costs and uncertainty about the future of the nation’s healthcare system led to an increase in the Mississippi Conference health insurance program, but the cost won’t be passed along to policy holders.

The conference Board of Medical Benefits met Sept. 21 to set rates for 2010. While a 5 percent increase in costs was needed, the board chose to pay for that increase from reserves.

Following the meeting, the board issued the following statement:

“One of the responsibilities we take very seriously is finding the balance between stewardship and ministry to our participants and their families. Facing many unknown factors affecting our U. S. healthcare system and constantly rising costs of health care, we were forced to concede that a 5 percent increase would be most prudent from a financial standpoint for our plan.

“However, having considered the impact of today’s economy on our local churches, the Board of Medical Benefits felt led to absorb this premium increase for the next year from our reserves.

“We reached this balance with the expectation of the continued faithfulness of our churches in paying apportionments coupled with the faithfulness of our participants in continuing wellness and prudent use of the plan. While the Board continues to explore opportunities to maintain a healthy plan at a minimal cost to our participants, future increases will always be directly related to the health and wellness of our participants and their families.”

For rate information, click here.