The Value of Pastoral Renewal Leave
Rev. Matthew Smith recently returned from a renewal leave. He explains that it is more than a vacation; it is a time to deepen one's relationship with God.
Posted: August 16 2019 at 11:00 PM
Attention HealthFlex participants (full-time clergy, spouses and lay employees): your medical insurance plan is shifting to the HealthFlex Exchange effective January 1, 2020. The HealthFlex Exchange is a model that gives HealthFlex participants more flexibility to choose their coverage while giving plan sponsors, such as the Northern Illinois Conference, more control and predictability over costs.
During this year’s open enrollment period from October 30 - November 14, you will be able to choose from six medical plans paired with prescription drug plans, three dental plans, and three vision plans. Many of the same high-quality partners and well-being programs will be included in the plans, such as Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, OptumRX, Virgin Pulse, and Blueprint for Wellness.
To help you choose the health plan that works for you, the NIC will offer five workshops around the conference this fall. Wespath and conference representatives will lead the workshops to explain each plan and help you choose the best option to fit your family’s needs and budget.
Workshops will be offered on the following dates/locations:
Oct. 15, 9 -11 a.m. Orland Park: Faith, 15101 S 80th Ave, Orland Park, IL
Oct. 15, 2 - 4 p.m. Naperville: Grace, 300 E Gartner Rd, Naperville, IL
Oct.16, 9 - 11a.m. Barrington, 98 Algonquin Road, Barrington IL
Oct. 16, 2 - 4 p.m. Sycamore, 160 Johnson Ave, Sycamore, IL
Oct. 22, 9 -11 a.m. Mount Prospect: Trinity, 605 West Golf Rd., Mount Prospect, IL
In September, Wespath will open up ALEX, an online diagnostic tool to also help participants select the most appropriate plan for their expected medical expenses and budget. Go to www.wespath.org and log on to HealtFlex/WebMD.
Take charge of your insurance options and plan to attend one of these informative workshops!
Questions? Please contact Woody Bedell at 312-346-9766, ext 707 or wbedell@umcnic.org.
Attention Retirees:
The program being introduced to the Conference for 2020 is only for active and lay participants. You and your retiree benefits through Via Benefits will remain exactly the same as you currently have. These benefits would only change if you elected to be in another Medicare Supplement program for 2020. Just to clarify again - if you are retired and participating in Via Benefits and receiving an HRA benefit you do not have to do anything to maintain your benefits for 2020.