All of us know too well the dramatically escalating rise in health care costs. Annual health care insurance premiums for clergy families in the New England Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church are well over one-third of the minimum salary for full time pastoral appointments. Ensuring affordable healthcare for our retirees is a priority that we take very seriously.
Medicare Support
Retired clergy depend on Medicare and the Conference currently provides a Medicare supplement to help contain medical costs. The benefit is based on a formula proportionate to years of ministerial service within the Conference. The Preachers’ Aid Society, in the past, has made a major commitment to ensuring that this benefit continues. We have given over $3,500,000 toward this end.
Methodent
A combination cost containment and loan payment program for retired clergy and their spouse’s dental expenses. Payments made by the Preachers’ Aid Society to one’s dentist will be converted into a low interest loan for the retiree/spouse.
