Clergy and Health Care Issues

Churches are finding it very difficult to provide adequate compensation for their pastors. Many can't afford full time clergy, and those who can afford salary/housing struggle with providing benefits like health care and pension.

But, according to a Christian Century article, things may be a bit more dire for a lot of clergy than I thought. At this point in time my congregation is providing health coverage and pension contributions for me. I got an individual policy for health care because the equivalent policy in our church sponsored plan would be $4-5,000 more. It's a catch 22 for this plan. Younger, healthier clergy can get a better deal elsewhere, while the denominational plan doesn't turn folk down. But, should our situation change, well I might end up with that plan -- if the church could afford it. But even then, I'm still pretty lucky.

Apparently many churches are dropping their plans. Spouses that once provided coverage may not have work provided coverage. And independent churches likely don't have access or provide coverage. The reality is that a huge number of clergy are not covered by health insurance. And this goes together with drops in value of 403(b) plans, which provide pension coverage for many.

So, my question of the day is, since many of the churches dropping plans are conservative ones, and right now the hue and cry against government provided health care is coming from conservatives, are you willing to make sure your pastors and church workers are properly covered?

Comments

Anonymous said…
How about your own patch of medical MJ? Michigan has it's rewards and I hear it cures all.
It would cause a minor buzz in the congregation I'm sure.

Seriously, I get your drift.

David Mc

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