Orthodox Health Plans now in open enrollment period
The Orthodox Health Plans [OHP] is now offering an open enrollment period, according to the Very Rev. Eric Tosi, Secretary of the Orthodox Church in America.
In a letter addressed to OCA clergy and full time lay Church workers at the beginning of November, Father Eric stated that the “OHP is the Orthodox Church in America’s official health plan for clergy and lay workers. This plan is a joint effort with the Greek Archdiocese of America, the Antiochian Archdiocese in America, the Serbian Orthodox Church in America and other Orthodox jurisdictions. The OHP is a PPO Plan which offers OCA clergy and lay employees the broadest and most flexible coverage and includes a prescription, drug, and dental benefits. The plan’s health insurance carrier is Aetna which is one of the single largest healthcare providers in the nation.
“Through our consultations with Aetna, we are able to announce a fifty day open enrollment period from November 10-December 31, 2009,” Father Eric continues. “During this period, you may enroll and join our Orthodox Health Plans Group regardless of any pre-existing conditions for you and/or your eligible dependents. You may go to the OCA website and download material for review at www.oca.org/CAbenefitprograms.asp?SID=8.”
The monthly premium for a family is $1720.00. The premium for a single person is $815.00. Due to excellent management of the program there was only a 1% increase in premiums this year.
“Access to the Orthodox Health Plans is generally available only during our annual open enrollment period,” Father Eric noted. “That is why we urge our parishes and institutions to take the time now to explore the benefits of OHP participation. We believe it is the best choice. Over the last five years, through high in-network usage and negotiation with our carrier, we have kept our annual renewal increase under 5% and our plan benefits have remained unchanged.”
Father Eric states that, among the enrollment advantages, are broad medical coverage, prescription drugs benefits, and parish transfer without interruption of coverage. A full description of the plan, participating physicians and hospitals may be found at www.Orthodoxhealthplans.com.
“It is important to stress that people desiring to switch to the OHP should not discontinue any coverage they currently have until they have received confirmation that your participation has been approved,” Father Eric added. “In order to be accepted, a completed enrollment form with your first month’s premium must reach the Plan Administrator no later than December 28, 2009. All coverage issued under this open enrollment period will be effective January 1, 2010.”
For additional information on these offered plans, enrollment forms, or questions, please call the Plan Administrator at GDC Financial at 800-785-4432 or visit www.Orthodoxhealthplans.com.