Missouri Union Presbytery

Stewardship of Self, the Board's comprehensive effort to help Plan members improve self care, was a primary focus of this year's Regional Benefits Consultations (RBCs). Stewardship of Self was introduced through presentations by Pat Haines, senior vice president of benefits, Karen Babik, director of communications, public relations, marketing, and education, and Cindy Beach, director of member education. An annual forum for updates and feedback on Board benefits and programs, the RBCs provided an ideal opportunity to share the Stewardship of Self concept and explain its future directions. The workshops not only demonstrated the shared responsibility that Stewardship of Self represents, but used tools like a health-related quiz and pledge form to reinforce the goal of enriching all aspects of one's life: spiritual, vocational, health, and financial. The commitment to self care is one that the Board encourages every member to make, and Stewardship of Self will serve as an ongoing reminder to use the Board's benefits, programs, and services effectively for the benefit of the entire Presbyterian Church community.

The Board of Pensions' 2007 Annual Report is now available. Go to Pensions.org or call Member Services at 800-773-7752 (800-PRESPLAN) to obtain a copy. Copies also will be mailed to churches and employing organizations later this month. The 2007 Annual Report provides a window on the work we do at the Board of Pensions to support our clergy, other church workers, and their dependents who participate in the Benefits Plan. It is recommended reading for anyone who is covered by the Benefits Plan of the PC(USA) or its related programs.

The Board of Pensions rate for 2008 is 31.5% of Salary and Housing.

The Board of Pensions recently launched a new version of its Web site, Pensions.org, featuring increased functionality, expanded information, and intuitive navigation. The new site also features an abundance of new information and resources, making it the “go to” source for details on the plans, programs, and services the Board offers.Feedback is welcomed by emailing Communications@pensions.org or calling 800-773-7752 (800-PRESPLAN)

A highlight of the site is BenefitsConnect, an online tool that provides active Plan members secure access to their personal benefits information. Not only can members submit changes to their contact information and dependent status, but they can use online calculators to estimate their pension and death benefits.

The Board of Pensions recently launched a new version of its Web site, Pensions.org, featuring increased functionality, expanded information, and intuitive navigation. The new site also features an abundance of new information and resources, making it the “go to” source for details on the plans, programs, and services the Board offers.Feedback is welcomed by emailing Communications@pensions.org or calling 800-773-7752 (800-PRESPLAN)

A highlight of the site is BenefitsConnect, an online tool that provides active Plan members secure access to their personal benefits information. Not only can members submit changes to their contact information and dependent status, but they can use online calculators to estimate their pension and death benefits.

MEMBER ADVOCATE POSITION CREATED and STAFFED. The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) recognizes that navigating the complexities of third-party providers, especially those for healthcare, can be a daunting experience for Plan members. In response, the Board has created a new member advocate position, effective April 1, 2008, that will help Plan members through difficult situations arising out of administration of the Medical Plan. We are pleased to announce that Annette Donald, who has many years of service with the Board of Pensions and is knowledgeable about the Benefits Plan and its relevant administrative processes, has been appointed to this newly created position. In her new role, Ms. Donald will help members understand the process for obtaining needed care, assist in communicating with third-party providers (e.g., Highmark, Express Scripts, and CareAllies) and other Board staff, and help to resolve any bureaucratic issues that might arise. For more information, look under News, Events and Announcements on the homepage of the new Pensions.org.

As of April 1, 2008, Liberty Mutual has taken over all disability medical claims management for Benefits Plan members previously handled by Aetna. The Board of Pensions firmly believes that as a result of this transition and our partnership with Liberty Mutual, Plan members will experience superior quality service and appreciate the efficient and professional manner in which their disability claims are managed. If you have questions about the transition or Liberty Mutual, please contact the Disability team at 800-773-7752 (800-PRESPLAN)

STEWARDSHIP OF SELF The Board of Pensions is proud to introduce Stewardship of Self, a comprehensive effort to help Benefits Plan members understand and use Board plans and programs to improve self care. Stewardship of Self is based on the premise that both the Board and its Plan members share the responsibility to enrich all aspects of one's life: spiritual, vocational, health, and financial.
Through the benefits, programs, and services provided by the Board, and the commitment by members to use these effectively, Stewardship of Self will provide much-needed outreach for the Benefits Plan and Assistance Program. The effort will thoroughly integrate the Board's communications over the coming year, enabling members to more easily take advantage of Board offerings and fulfill their responsibility for self care that benefits the entire Presbyterian community.

REGIONAL BENEFITS CONSULTATIONS ARE COMING The Regional Benefits Consultations (RBCs), which feature updates on benefits and programs, and opportunities to meet with members of the Regional Service Teams, will kick off in April 2008. At these events, the Board of Pensions staff will present information about and changes to the Benefits Plan, as well as listen to the issues and concerns of the participants. This year's RBCs are:

Eastern Regional Benefits Consultation
April 23 – 24, 2008 Renaissance Concourse Hotel, Atlanta, GA

Western Regional Benefits Consultation
April 30 – May 1, 2008 Westin San Francisco Airport, Millbrae, CA

Central Regional Benefits Consultation
May 7 – 8, 2008 Hilton Arlington, Arlington, TX