ELCA-Primary Health Plan: 2026 Synod Update Zoom Sessions

Critically important Health Plan changes Ahead for ELCA Members: Don’t Miss These Crucial Info Sessions

If you’re part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) community – whether you’re a rostered minister, lay staff, or a congregational leader – mark your calendars. Significant changes are coming to all ELCA-Primary Health Plan options in 2026, and understanding these shifts is absolutely vital before the Annual Enrollment period kicks off this fall.

To help you navigate this important transition, Portico Benefit Services is hosting two critical Zoom sessions designed to provide clarity on what’s changing, the resources available to help you make informed decisions, and how to best prepare. It’s critically important to note that these sessions will not be recorded, making live attendance highly recommended for everyone impacted.

For Rostered Ministers and Lay Staff

these individuals,currently enrolled in the ELCA-Primary Health plan,are invited to a session on Wednesday,August 27,2025,at 12:00 PM Pacific Time (1:00 PM Mountain Time).This session will delve into the specifics of the upcoming plan changes and offer guidance tailored to your roles.

Click here to register for this session. Upon registration, you’ll receive a confirmation email containing the necessary Zoom details.

For Congregational leaders

Leaders within ELCA congregations are also invited to a dedicated session on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. This session will take place at 5:30 PM Pacific Time (6:30 PM Mountain Time) and will cover the implications of the health plan changes for congregational leadership and governance.

Register here for the congregational leaders’ session. As with the first session, registration is a prerequisite, and please remember that the session will not be recorded.

These opportunities are invaluable for receiving direct guidance and having your questions answered as we collectively prepare for a year of significant benefits transition. This initiative underscores a shared commitment to the well-being of our dedicated leaders and ensures that our ministries remain informed and equipped.

As we move through this period of change, our Lutheran values of mutual support and responsible stewardship guide us.Your participation in these sessions is a key step in this ongoing journey.

What potential changes to coverage,deductibles,or co-pays are being proposed for the ELCA Primary Health Plan?

Understanding the ELCA Primary Health Plan & Synod Discussions

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Primary Health plan is a vital benefit for many ELCA employees and pastors. As the church prepares for the 2026 Synod,updates and discussions surrounding the health plan are crucial for all stakeholders. This article details the upcoming zoom sessions, key topics being addressed, and resources available to help you navigate these changes. We’ll cover everything from potential cost adjustments to coverage enhancements, ensuring you’re well-informed about your healthcare options within the ELCA framework. key terms include ELCA health benefits, church worker health insurance, and synod resolutions.

2026 Synod Zoom Session Schedule & Registration

The ELCA is hosting a series of Zoom sessions to provide updates on the Primary Health Plan leading up to and during the 2026 Synod. These sessions are designed to be interactive, allowing participants to ask questions and provide feedback.

Session 1: Plan Performance Review (July 29, 2025, 2:00 PM ET) – Focuses on the financial health of the plan and utilization trends. Registration link: [Insert Link Here – Placeholder]

Session 2: proposed Benefit Changes (August 12, 2025, 7:00 PM ET) – Details any proposed changes to coverage, deductibles, or co-pays. Registration link: [Insert link Here – Placeholder]

Session 3: Q&A with Plan Administrators (September 9, 2025, 1:00 PM ET) – A dedicated session for addressing participant questions. Registration link: [Insert Link Here – Placeholder]

Synod Update Session (During the 2026 Synod – Date/Time TBD) – A live update during the Synod, providing final decisions and implementation timelines. Details will be announced closer to the event.

These sessions are essential for understanding the future of your ELCA health coverage.

Key Topics Under Discussion for 2026

Several critical areas are being discussed as the ELCA prepares for the 2026 Synod regarding the Primary Health Plan. These discussions are driven by factors like rising healthcare costs, changing member demographics, and the need to maintain a sustainable and equitable benefits program.

Cost Containment Strategies

One of the primary focuses is on finding ways to manage rising healthcare costs.Potential strategies include:

1. Negotiating with Healthcare Providers: The ELCA is actively negotiating rates with hospitals and other providers to secure more favorable pricing.
2. Promoting Preventative Care: Encouraging members to utilize preventative services can definitely help identify and address health issues early, reducing long-term costs. Preventative healthcare is a key component of cost management.
3. Exploring Option Funding Models: Investigating options like self-funding or captive insurance arrangements.

Coverage Enhancements & Potential Changes

Discussions are also underway regarding potential enhancements to coverage, as well as possible adjustments to existing benefits.

Mental Health Services: Expanding access to mental health services is a high priority, with proposals to increase coverage for therapy and counseling. Mental health benefits are increasingly critically importent.

Prescription Drug Costs: Addressing the rising cost of prescription drugs through formulary management and negotiation.

Telehealth expansion: Further expanding telehealth options to provide convenient and affordable access to care. Telemedicine is becoming a standard benefit.

Deductible & Co-pay Adjustments: Potential adjustments to deductibles and co-pays are being considered to balance affordability and plan sustainability.

Equity and Accessibility

Ensuring equitable access to healthcare for all ELCA members is a core principle.Discussions are focused on addressing disparities in access and outcomes,particularly for members in rural areas or with pre-existing conditions. Healthcare equity is a central concern.

Resources for ELCA Members

The ELCA provides a wealth of resources to help members understand and navigate their health benefits.

ELCA Health Website: [Insert ELCA Health Website Link here – Placeholder] – this website provides detailed information about the Primary health Plan, including coverage details, provider directories, and claim information.

Portico Benefit Services: [Insert Portico Website Link Here – Placeholder] – Portico administers the ELCA Primary Health Plan and offers personalized support to members.

synod Resolutions Database: [Insert Link to Synod Resolutions Database – Placeholder] – Access past and proposed resolutions related to health benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): A thorough FAQ document addressing common questions about the plan will be available on the ELCA Health website.

Understanding Your Role in the process

Your participation