Medical Insurance
What is Medical Insurance?
Medical insurance is an individual or family insurance plan that covers a broad range of medical services for a minister and her/his family. Medical Insurance may be purchased through the Reformed Benefits Association, or a comparable medical insurance provider. Medi-share programs do not meet the required minimum standards.
Why Medical Insurance is important
Medical Insurance is a critical employee benefit in the United States economic structure. Medical insurance covers the majority of the cost for both expected and unexpected medical expenses, giving ministers and their families access to the healthcare they need. This is a significant part of the holistic care the RCA provides for its ministers.
Employer minimum standards
BOBS annually sets the minimum standards for insurance coverage that employers must meet or exceed. Health-share plans don’t meet the BCO requirements. If a minister’s spouse carries the insurance, the church should cover the premium costs up to the premium costs of the RCA plan meeting the minimum standards.
Let’s look at an example of how medical insurance can make a difference
Rev. Bruce and his spouse had just moved cross-country after seminary to begin his first call in a congregation. Beyond the anticipation of beginning work, their excitement grew with the expectation of their first child arriving in a few months.
Two weeks after moving into the parsonage, Rev. Bruce’s wife went into labor earlier than expected. Their baby girl was born prematurely that same day. The following weeks were stressful and taxing on the couple, but they received excellent care in the NICU and the baby eventually thrived.
The cost of that stay in the hospital was significant. While the deductible they paid stretched them financially, the medical insurance provided by the church allowed them to get the best care while also allowing the financial impact to be contained. The RCA is committed to making sure medical expenses are manageable for our ministers, and enforcing minimum standards which allow all ministers to have access to quality care.
Summary of the minimum requirements for medical insurance (2025)
- Reformed Benefits Association (RBA) Consumer Plan or Equivalent
- 70% Coinsurance (70% paid by the insurer, 30% paid by the individual)
- Individual Deductible: $4,000, Family Deductible: $8,000
- Maximum In-Network, Out of Pocket cost: Individual-$8,000, Family-$16,000
- Once out-of-pocket costs have been met, the plan covers 100% of eligible expenses.
- If the minister elects coverage through a spouse’s employer-sponsored medical insurance, the church must compensate the minister for any medical premium cost incurred by their immediate family, up to the premium cost of the RBA consumer plan expenses.
- Churches may not provide Medi-Share or similar programs for their minister in lieu of traditional health insurance, as these are considered bill-sharing services and do not fulfill the insurance requirements set forth by the Book of Church Order (BCO).
Medical insurance
Group medical insurance is available through the Reformed Benefits Association (RBA). The RBA is a nonprofit corporation established by the Reformed Church in America and the Christian Reformed Church in North America. The RBA offers a variety of group medical insurance plans as well as group life insurance, vision, dental, and additional supplementary plans.
Toll Free: 800.701.8992
Fidelity Medicare Services
- Medicare Advantage
- Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
- Part D prescription drug plans
- Stand-alone vision and dental plans
- Travel health insurance
To learn more and connect with an agent: https://medicare.fidelity.com/home/
Understanding the Basics of Medicare
*This video was produced in 2020. While most of the information is relevant, some specific details may change. For up to date information, feel free to contact Dan Sarkipato directly at: dan@clearsolutions.team. Web: www.ClearSolutions.team
Have a question?
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Contact Cineca
Board of Benefits Services
475 Riverside Drive, Suite 1606
New York, NY 10115
retirement@rca.org
866-221-5480
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