At the same time, the average amount spent for Plan members and their families has increased each year. The Board of Pensions works to protect its members and their families against overwhelming medical expenses and to maintain dues at affordable levels for the churches and other organizations. But members and their families must take an active part in managing their own health status. The Board of Pensions encourages Plan members and their families to adopt healthy lifestyles and use appropriate preventive care services by providing health education, targeted programs, and resource services. The Board of Pensions also offers the Medical Continuation Program to retirees not yet eligible for Medicare and a Medicare Supplement to those who are 65 or more years old.
Retirees pay most of the cost.
The Medical Continuation Program is subsidized by the active Medical Plan. Vacancy dues and the Board s General Assistance Fund provide some subsidy for the Medicare Supplement Program. The Board of Pensions also has the assigned responsibility to provide financial assistance to church workers who have needs beyond the scope of the Benefits Plan and to help retired church workers through a retirement housing program. These programs together are called the Assistance Program. The Financial Assistance Programs reflect the ministry of caring that began in 1717.