The OCA Chancery arranges for certain programs and benefits to assist the clergy and faithful of the Orthodox Church in America. These programs include insurance for parishes/institutions, clergy insurance, personal assistance program (PAP), assistance on tax-exempt status [501 (C) 3] as well as other issues that concern parish/institution operations. Please note that the organizations are recommended and not mandated and that participation is voluntary. A listing of the benefits programs offered therough the Orthodox Church in America may be found below.

The Pension program is a separate organization, under its own Board and governance, that provides pension benefits for the clergy and employees of the Orthodox Church in America.

For more information on OCA benefits programs, please contact the Secretary of the Orthodox Church in America, Archpriest Eric George Tosi at (516)922-0550, ext 129 or email him at egtosi@oca.org.

For information about the Pension Plan, please contact Plan Administrator Maureen Ahearn at (516)922-0550 ext. 142 or email at Maureen@oca.org.

Orthodox Health Plans

The Orthodox Health Plans is an association of Orthodox Churches in North America which provide a variety of insurance needs for clergy and lay employees. Members of the association are the Greek Archdiocese of America, The Orthodox Church in America, the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Armenian Diocese of America, and the Serbian Orthodox Church of North America. Participation in the Orthodox Health Plans is voluntary.

Medical and Dental Benefits are provided by Aetna, Inc. and managed by GDC Financial in Fairfield, CT. Both the Medical and Dental Plan coverage's are PPO (Preferred Provider Plan), allowing members to use any provider of their choice, with higher reimbursement for using providers who are members of the appropriate networks. Both the Medical Network and Dental networks are Aetna Networks. The Retiree Medical Plan benefits are provided by Monumental General for Medical coverage and Express Scripts for prescription drugs. Retiree medical coverage is only available to those age 65 and older with Medicare as their primary coverage.

More information about The Orthodox Health Plan

Orthodox Health Plan Renewal Update, May 1, 2009

For further information see, the website at www.orthodoxhealthplans.com or call (203)367-4070

Insurance Systems, Inc.

Insurance Systems, Inc is an Ohio company that is has been working on coverage for the OCA since 1999. The program is through GuideOne and provides property, liability, sexual misconduct, pastoral professional liability, directors and officers liability, auto, theft, employee dishonesty, worker's compensation and umbrella insurance. The program has been set up to deal with specific Orthodox concerns such as protection of iconography and sacred items. In addition, they provide coverage in compliance with the OCA's Sexual Misconduct Policy.

In addition, a new program called Group Affiliation Program (GAP) provides additional coverage for OCA parishes and institutions at no additional costs and a return on unused premiums. (link to GAP letter). Participation in the Insurance Systems program is voluntary.

For more info see www.orthodoxinsurance.com or www.guideone.com or call 1-800-860-3075.

More information about the OCA's Group Affiliation Program

Personal Assistance Program (PAP)

The Personal Assistance Program is a special program developed with the blessing of the Holy Synod to assist clergy, church workers and their families with issues in need of counseling. All of the dioceses contribute to the program and the referrals are at no cost and strictly confidential with the company. The program is provided through an agreement with Magellan Health Services. For more information see www.magellanhealth.com.

For PROFESSIONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL ASSISTANCE FOR PERSONAL PROBLEMS CALL: 1-800-523-5668

Other Insurance

Currently the OCA is examining other insurance needs such as life, disability, long-term care, and employment. Information will be announced as it becomes available.

Information on the OCA Pension Plan may be found here.