Stewardship of Self Wellness Tip:

Get your blood pressure checked this month. Almost one-third of people with high blood pressure don't realize they have this potentially dangerous condition. You can identify high blood pressure and other conditions before they become serious by using the Board of Pensions' preventive health benefit. 

Changes to Medical Benefits Now in Effect

The changes to your medical benefits are now in effect. These updates, along with an overview of your other healthcare benefits, are outlined in a new booklet – Your Healthcare Benefits in Brief – which was mailed in late December. The information includes:

• changes to deductibles and out-of-pocket costs
• the new health management service provider (see next article)
• expanded coverage for children with congenital developmental disabilities
• an increase in the maximum lifetime benefit

Details about the changes are also provided in two e-learning modules developed by the Board:

• Medical Plan Changes for Active Benefits Plan Members
• Medicare Supplement Program Changes for Retired Benefits Plan Members

If you have questions about the changes, please contact the Board at 800-773-7752 (800-PRESPLAN).

Your New Health Management Service Provider

Effective January 1, 2010, ActiveHealth Management® replaced – and expanded upon – the health management services formerly provided by CareAllies. These services include:

• Pre-Certification – You or your doctor must call ActiveHealth at 866-794-3127 to pre-certify tests and procedures that require advance approval. (See the back of your medical identification card for details.)
• Informed Care Management – ActiveHealth provides support services to help you take control of chronic conditions.
• Personal Health Record – This confidential online tool will help you collect and organize your health records. Look for this tool in spring 2010.
• Case Management – This program provides assistance in coordinating medical care and treatment for a serious injury or long-term illness.
• 24-Hour Nurse Line – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, registered nurses are available to answer your health questions.

If you have questions about the programs and services available through ActiveHealth Management, please call the Board at 800-773-7752 (800-PRESPLAN).

New Highmark Identification Cards Mailed

The new Highmark identification cards were mailed at the end of December. Be sure to carry this new card and your Express Scripts card for routine and emergency use.

Note: You no longer need to carry your CIGNA Behavioral Health card for your mental health and Employee Assistance Program needs. The phone number for participation verification, pre-certification, and questions is now included on the back of the Highmark ID cards.

Submit Salary Changes and Confirm Salaries Online

Church treasurers and business administrators can now submit salary changes or confirm salaries online through a new feature on Benefits Connect, the Board’s secure benefits Web site.

Once a church treasurer or business administrator registers for Benefits Connect, he or she will be granted access to this new feature. Changing or confirming salaries will be completed through an easy-to-follow online process.

To register, go to the Pensions.org homepage. Under the Benefits Connect logo, click “Register.” Then follow the step-by-step instructions for creating your user profile and establishing your password.

If you have questions about registering for Benefits Connect or the new online salary change and confirmation feature, please contact the Board at 800-773-7752 (800-PRESPLAN).

Tax Resources on Pensions.org

The replay of the 2009 Tax Tips Webinar for Ministers and Churches is now available on Pensions.org. This annual one-hour event is designed to help ministers and churches understand clergy taxes.

Host Paul Payton welcomes renowned clergy and church tax expert Richard R. Hammar, J.D., LL.M., CPA, and Steven Fleming, a Board education specialist. They offer helpful information and tips on numerous topics, such as legislative developments and court rulings, ongoing tax issues, and saving for retirement.

Also prepared by clergy tax expert Richard R. Hammar, the 2009 edition of the Tax Guide for Ministers & Churches will be available in the Tax Resource Center in late January 2010. Published annually, the guide provides an up-to-date and authoritative discussion of tax-reporting compliance and the impact of recent changes in tax laws. It serves as a roadmap for minister members in navigating the complexity of the changing tax code. The guide also contains step-by-step instructions and examples for situations specific to your tax return.