Conference Health Care Task Force to hold informational meetings in March and April

One of the major expenses and issues that most people are facing today is health care coverage, and for United Methodist clergy and the churches that provide their benefits, the concerns are no different.  As was announced earlier, Bishop Cynthia Harvey, in keeping with the conference Board of Pensions and Health Benefits A Plan Forward, appointed a task force to examine the health plans offered to lay employees, active clergy, retirees and surviving spouses and to make recommendations for changes necessary for long-term sustainability.

On the dates listed below, the Health Care Task Force will be holding informational meetings throughout the Louisiana Annual Conference.  There will be information about the current state of affairs (how are the plans doing, expenses vs. income) and upcoming requirements on health plans under the Affordable Care Act. For the long-term viability of the Conference health plan, it is almost certain that some changes will need to be made and the Task Force wants you to be involved in those decisions. Thus, the Task Force invites you to come to these meetings to offer your concerns and ideas. At each of the sessions, Rev. Jan Curwick, Conference Benefits Officer, District Superintendents and some of the members of the Task Force will be on hand to present material and listen to you. The informational presentation and opportunities to post ideas will also be available later through the conference web-site. If you have questions, contact Rev. Jan Curwick at jancurwick@la-ucm.org.

Monroe – April 21, 2016, at 2 p.m.

  First UMC, 3900 Loop Road, Monroe, La.

Shreveport – April 22, 2016 at 10 a.m.

  Noel UMC, 520 Herndon Street, Shreveport, La.

Hammond – April 12, 2016, at 10:30 a.m.

  First UMC, 2200 Rue Denise, Hammond, La.

Lafayette – April 14, 2016, at 10 a.m.

   Covenant UMC, 300 East Martial Avenue, Lafayette, La.