The Rio Texas Conference is committed to caring for those who serve and providing benefits that assist clergy and lay employees in optimizing their well-being. As announced at 2017 Annual Conference, a significant change will occur for Rio Texas Conference health care plan participants beginning on January 1, 2019, enabling the flexibility to select from a menu of HealthFlex options that best fit their needs. It’s an exciting time to embrace the possibilities this change will provide.
The HealthFlex Exchange is tailored with choices to cover the spectrum of health; from those suffering from chronic illnesses to those who are in the best shape of their lives and alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with healthcare expenses. Although 2019 seems distant, clergy and church leadership are encouraged to prepare for the change by taking advantage of learning opportunities and sharing vital feedback as part of a successful implementation.
As part of this transition, the Health Benefits Team is holding four presentations this fall across the conference. All clergy, SPRC Chairs, and Finance Committee Chairs are encouraged to participate in one of the events. Other decision-making lay leaders are also welcomed. The presentation will provide an introduction to Wespath HealthFlex Exchange, share how the Conference is working to fund health care in the future, and discuss the transition timeline. Since this change will impact church budgeting, it is important that the clergy and lay leadership learn about this healthcare shift, ask questions, and share feedback with the Health Benefits Team.
Below is the list of scheduled presentations. Attendees are not restricted to an event within your District; all events are open to all Rio Texas churches.
Oct 21: First UMC, New Braunfels, 10 a.m. – noon (572 W San Antonio St)
Nov 4: First UMC San Angelo, 10 a.m. – noon (37 East Beauregard, San Angelo)
Nov 11: First UMC, Beeville, 10 a.m. – noon (106 E Cleveland St, Beeville)
Nov 14: St. John’s UMC, Austin, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. (2140 Allandale Rd., Austin)
Dec 2: El Buen Pastor, Edinburg, 10 a.m. – noon (705 E University Dr, Edinburg)
Please share this with the people in your congregation who will best represent your church in health care and budgeting decisions. If you have any questions, please call the conference office at (210) 408-4549.
We look forward to seeing you this fall,
Health Benefits Team, Board of Pensions
Rio Texas Conference