Church Health Insurance Agency: Ministry Insurance For Churches
Integrity Now Insurance Brokers is a full-service insurance agency specializing in providing health insurance for churches and religious organizations. We have over 20 years of experience in the industry, and our team of church insurance experts is dedicated to finding the best possible church insurance coverage at the most competitive rates.
We not only help with your church group benefits needs, but we partner with places of worship to obtain church property and liability insurance coverage for their entire church operations. No matter your church insurance needs, we have you covered.
Types of Medical Insurance Offered By Our Church Health Insurance Agency?
1. Health Care Sharing Ministries
Health Care Sharing Ministries are groups of Christians who voluntarily share each other’s medical costs. Members pay a monthly fee that goes into a pool of funds to cover other members’ medical expenses.
Unlike traditional health insurance, Health Care Sharing Ministries are not insurance but a community of like-minded people who rely on each other to pay their medical bills. The benefits of Health Care Sharing Ministries include lower costs, flexible plans, and a sense of community among members.
However, there are also drawbacks to consider. Health Care Sharing Ministries do not guarantee to cover all medical bills. They typically have pre-existing conditions and health expense maximums unless you pay more for unlimited sharing of covered items.
Additionally, state insurance departments do not regulate Health Care Sharing Ministries and have limited legal protections. It is critical to review the program guidelines before signing up.
Our licensed health insurance agents will discuss the pros and cons of health share ministries so your board members can make an informed decision.
2. Group Health Insurance For Churches
As a Church Health Insurance Agency, we offer churches traditional group health insurance plans to provide health coverage to their employees. Our group health insurance plans offer the following coverage options:
- Comprehensive health insurance coverage for medical services, including preventive care, prescription drugs, mental health services, and hospitalizations.
- A selection of health insurance carriers allows churches to customize their coverage to fit their needs.
- Health insurance quotes include 200 plus quote options from all available insurance companies and plans.
- Affordable HSA plan options and platinum-level group health benefits
Our group health insurance plans resemble a cafeteria-style arrangement, allowing employees to choose various coverage options. We understand that group plans can be expensive, so we work with churches to find cost-effective solutions that fit their budget.
Please contact us to learn more about our group health insurance plans and how we can help your church provide health coverage to your employees.
3. Individual Health Insurance Plans For Pastors
An individual health plan may be the best option for small church insurance programs to cover a pastor and their family. Our church insurance specialist will make the required recommendations based on a church’s size and needs.
4. HSA and HRA Plans For Churches
Our church health insurance agency offers Health Savings Account (HSA) and Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) plans for churches.
An HSA plan allows employees to contribute pre-tax dollars into a savings account to pay for out-of-pocket medical expenses. The funds in the account can be rolled over year after year and grow tax-free. However, this plan requires a high-deductible health plan and has contribution limits.
On the other hand, an HRA plan allows the nonprofit church organization to reimburse employees for their health insurance premiums and eligible medical expenses. This type of plan is cost-effective and customizable, with no contribution limits for ICHRAs.
5. High-Deductible Health Plan For Churches
A High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) is a budget-friendly option for churches. This plan has lower monthly premiums and offers tax advantages, making it an attractive option for churches with tight budgets.
When looking for a church health plan to offer as part of your employee benefits package, an HDHP may be your best insurance option.
6. Medicare Advantage Plans For Church Employees Turning 65
With the cost of health insurance only becoming more expensive, moving your church employees to Original Medicare when they turn 65 is a cost-effective option. Not only can they sign up for Original Medicare, but they also have the option to join a Medicare Advantage plan.
Medicare Advantage plans replaces Original Medicare and require members to participate in limited medical networks, prior authorizations for medical procedures, and include Medicare Part B drugs step therapy. While these plans can be affordable, your church employees may lose access to their doctors.
Our Medicare Advantage insurance agents can help church employees navigate their Medicare plan options and find the best medical coverage.
7. Medicare Supplemental Plans For Church Employees Turning 65
Medicare Supplement Plans, also known as Medigap Plans, offer exceptional healthcare benefits for church employees turning 65. These secondary insurance policies fill in the gaps of Original Medicare, allowing Medicare beneficiaries to keep their doctors nationwide.
Medigap plans do not replace Original Medicare but work alongside their earned health benefit. Medigap Plan G is one of the most popular Medicare supplement plan options many Medicare beneficiaries choose.
Churches can offer to pay the cost of Medicare Part B and the Medigap plan up to a specified dollar amount for church employees who turn 65 and remain on staff. This is a win for both the church and the employee.
To determine the best Medicare supplemental plan for your church employees, it is recommended to consult with one of our qualified Medigap insurance professionals at the Integrity Now Insurance Brokers.
Advantages Of Working With An Independent Health Insurance Agency For Churches
1. An independent insurance agency can help a church identify and evaluate health coverage options from multiple health insurance companies.
An independent health insurance agency can assist a church in identifying and evaluating health coverage options from multiple health insurance companies by offering tailored options that meet their needs and budget. We explore various options, including HMO, PPO, and EPO plans.
By representing the church’s best interest, our insurance agency can help the board of directors make informed decisions.
2. An independent insurance agency can help a church determine if it is eligible for government subsidies for health coverage.
An independent health insurance agency can assist a church in determining its eligibility for government subsidies for health coverage by analyzing the church’s size, income, and employee demographics. For instance, a church with fewer than 50 full-time employees may be eligible for a Small Business Health Care Tax Credit, covering up to 50% of the church’s premium costs.
3. An independent insurance agency can help a church find a plan that best fits its needs, budget, and requirements.
An independent health insurance agency can assist a church in finding a suitable health insurance plan by offering tailored options that meet the church’s needs, budget, and requirements. Integrity Now Insurance Brokers will explore various possibilities, including group health coverage, dental, vision, group or individual life insurance, and short-term and. long-term disability insurance.
If a traditional group plan is not feasible, our church insurance agency may suggest alternative programs like faith-based sharing groups.
4. An independent insurance agency can help a church navigate the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace and find the best options for health coverage.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has significantly impacted the healthcare industry, including churches seeking health coverage options. To navigate the ACA Marketplace and find the best health coverage options, an independent health insurance agent can greatly assist.
By working with an independent agency, churches can receive personalized guidance and access to various insurance providers. An independent agency can help churches find affordable group health insurance plans tailored to their needs and budget within the ACA marketplace.
5. An independent insurance agency can help a church find a plan that includes all the benefits it needs at a price it can afford.
As your church health insurance broker, we help tailor a group health insurance program that meets the church’s needs and budget. We have access to over 200 plans depending on the state and location of the church.
It is best to establish a monthly budget for a group health insurance plan, decide if an HMO or PPO works best for the church organization, and if the church needs broad access to doctors within the plan.
6. An independent insurance agency can help a church understand the pros and cons of how a health-sharing ministry works.
As an independent insurance agency specializing in church insurance, we will explain the pros and cons of these non-insurance alternatives and help determine if they fit the church’s needs and budget.
While heath-sharing ministries may come with an attractive price, your church employees may not have the health protection they anticipated would cover a significant medical event.
7. An independent insurance agency can help churches navigate COBRA and other health insurance options.
Depending on the church’s location and size, they may need to hire a Cobra plan administrator. When a church employee qualifies for Cobra, the church must follow all applicable laws.
Our insurance agency is here to help match your church with the appropriate third-party administration firm when required.
What To Consider When Choosing A Christian Healthcare Insurance Solution?
1. Church Health Insurance: Cost and coverage
When selecting health insurance for a church, several cost and coverage factors must be considered.
- The number of employees, age, and health status should be considered to determine the minimum coverage needed.
- The medical services covered, such as preventive care, prescription drugs, mental health services, and hospitalizations, should also be evaluated.
- Additionally, the church’s budget will impact the coverage level that can be afforded.
2. Church Health Insurance: Types of plans
While various health insurance plans are available for churches to consider, three of the most common options are HMOs, PPOs, and POS plans.
- HMOs, or Health Maintenance Organizations, generally require members to choose a primary care physician and only receive coverage for services provided by in-network providers.
- PPOs, or Preferred Provider Organizations, allow members to choose from a network of providers and offer coverage for out-of-network services at a higher cost.
- POS plans, or Point of Service plans, combine elements of both HMOs and PPOs, offering a network of providers and requiring members to choose a primary care physician but also allowing for out-of-network coverage.
3. Church Health Insurance: Eligibility requirements
Group health insurance companies have different enrollment eligibility requirements.
These may include the following:
- The employer must have a certain number of employees (typically two or more) enrolled in the plan
- Employees must work at least a minimum number of hours during the qualifying period
- Employees must be employed for a certain length of time before becoming eligible
- Some employers may require employees to pay part of the premium or co-pays
- Dependents may also be eligible for coverage
4. Church Health Insurance: Co-pays, deductibles, and max-out-of-pocket costs
Regarding church health insurance plans, there are several costs to consider, including co-pays, deductibles, and max-out-of-pocket costs. As a church leader, balancing your congregation’s needs with your church’s budget is essential.
Here are some tips to help you navigate these costs:
- Determine your budget: Before selecting a health insurance plan for your church, it’s essential to determine how much you can afford to spend on premiums. Consider the number of employees in your church and their individual health needs.
- Evaluate your options: Once you have a budget, evaluate your options carefully. Consider the different types of plans available, including traditional group health insurance, health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs), and medical cost-sharing ministries.
- Compare plans: When comparing plans, consider co-pays, deductibles, and max-out-of-pocket costs. Look for a plan that offers a balance between affordability and comprehensive coverage.
- Educate your congregation: It’s essential to educate your congregation about the costs associated with health insurance plans.
5. Church Health Insurance: Know What the plan covers
Church health insurance is an excellent benefit for church employees and their families. However, knowing precisely what the plan covers is essential before deciding on a specific policy.
- The first step is to understand the terms and conditions of the policy through the summary of benefits and coverage. This document explains each plan’s coverage, such as deductibles, co-pays, and out-of-pocket expenses.
- Next churches need to be aware of any exclusions or limitations in the policy. For instance, some plans may exclude certain medications or treatments, such as chiropractic care and acupuncture.
- Lastly, it is essential to know the network of healthcare providers and hospitals that are a part of the plan. This information will help individuals decide whether the plan fits their healthcare needs or if your employees will be required to change doctors.
As your church insurance agent, we work hard to find a health plan that meets or exceeds your expectations. While this is impossible, we will do everything we can to protect your Pastor and church staff.
6. Church Health Insurance: What the plan does not cover
Church health insurance plans typically do not cover certain medical services and treatments. These exclusions vary depending on the plan and insurance company, but common exclusions include cosmetic procedures, fertility treatments, experimental treatments, and alternative therapies.
Insurance companies exclude these services because they are often considered elective or not medically necessary. Additionally, these services can be expensive, which can drive up the cost of the insurance plan.
Health insurance companies are beginning to embrace alternative medicine, such as acupuncture and chiropractic care. If these benefits are desired, let our health insurance agents know in advance so we can include these plans.
When choosing a health insurance plan, churches should carefully consider what services are covered and excluded to ensure that the plan meets the needs of their employees and fits within their budget. Depending on the size and budget of the church, they may need to weigh the benefits of a more comprehensive plan with higher premiums against a plan with more exclusions and lower costs.
Why Integrity Now Insurance Brokers Is The Best Church Health Insurance Agency Option
Integrity Now Insurance Brokers is the best option for churches needing health insurance because of our expertise, access to all group health insurance companies, and tailored options that meet the church’s needs and budget.
As a full-service church insurance agency, we offer a one-stop shop for all church insurance needs, including property and casualty insurance coverage, general liability insurance for churches and nonprofits, best workers’ compensation insurance for churches, directors and officers insurance coverage for religious groups, employment practice liability insurance, religious expression coverage protecting your long-held religious beliefs, pastoral counseling professional liability insurance for spiritual advice, abuse and molestation insurance, business income insurance, employee theft insurance, and business auto insurance for religious groups.
With the required disclosures, we can suggest alternative programs like faith-based sharing groups if a traditional group plan is not feasible. With access to hundreds of insurance plans depending on the state and location of the church, our insurance agents can help tailor a group health insurance program that meets the church’s specific needs.
Contact Integrity Now Insurance Brokers today for a church insurance quote.