08/05/2015

Portico Benefit Services costs to increase in 2016

The following letter went to all Portico Health Plan members. In case you didn't see the letter, please read it carefully. If you are an employer that provides Portico health benefits to employees, please join in on a special webcast on August 28. See story on our website for details.

https://associationdatabase.com/aws/SOS/pt/sd/news_article/109784/_PARENT/layout_details/false

Over the weekend, Portico’s trustees approved several adjustments to the cost of ELCA benefits in 2016. While 2016 is still two seasons away, I’m sharing this news with you today, knowing that budget conversations have already begun in some congregations.

Rising health care costs across the country continue to drive up the amount of money our faith community spends on medical services, prescription drugs, and other care. To help ensure that the self-insured ELCA Health Plan can pay for the care that members are likely to need next year:

Monthly contribution rates for ELCA-Primary health benefits will increase by 7% for Platinum+,7% for Gold+, 10% for Silver+, and 14% for Bronze+. Today, 9 out of 10 sponsoring employers provide the Gold+ option.

After holding steady for four years, member out-of-pocket costs will increase. Wellness incentives will change.

In addition, disability contributions will increase and basic group life insurance contributions will decrease. I encourage you to read through the details about these changes on myPortico, so that you can have well-informed health benefit conversations and advocate for what’s best for you and your organization this fall during Annual Enrollment.

Understand what’s changing for 2016 (Click on link)

Peace,

Stacy Kruse's signature
Stacy A. Kruse
Chief Operating and Financial Officer
Portico Benefit Services