Wellness Initiative benefits

Ninety-nine churches and five other conference units received $300 reductions in their 2007 health insurance premiums as a result of their pastor's participation in the 2006 NTC Wellness Initiative.

This is an increase of twenty-nine churches over last year's initiative according to Dr. Marvin Guier, NTC Director of Administration/Treasurer/Benefits Officer.

There were 141 persons that completed the required wellness exam and on-line health questionnaire out of 297 eligible participants in 2006 -- an increase of 41 over 2005.

The Wellness opportunity will change in 2007 due to potential rebates from the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits. In addition, the incentive will be available to all persons covered by the conference's active health insurance plan including clergy, lay employees and covered spouses. The rebate from the General Board could be as much as 5 percent per person depending on the percentage of our participants who complete a wellness exam and on-line Health Quotient survey by Dec. 31, 2007. Any amount of rebate received by the conference will be returned to the premium-paying unit, church or individual, of those who completed the requirements.

This is a great opportunity to lower our health insurance costs and increase our quality of health.