Portico and other entities continue to publish and offer various health and wellness resources. In an effort to declutter the clergy index page, we're moving them here.

Some items on the Education for Clergy & Laity also relate to health and wellness. You might want to explore those offerings as well.

We are also including on this page basic information about Portico's insurance and pension offerings.

Be sure to take a look at all your benefits under Portico's insurance program. Viritual doctors visits, online mental health, wellness programs, prescription drug service, and more can contribute to your wellbeing and save you time and money.

Portico Insurance and Pension Info

Annual Enrollment Dates

Time for annual enrollment in Portico's insurance and pension programs is soon upon us. Please note this important dates:

• August 26 — Organization decision tools should be available on the Portico Employee Link around.
• October 1-14 — Organization selection open. Caveat: Failure of the employer (e.g., congregation) to make a selection will result in the health insurance plan defaulting to Silver B.
• Oct. 17 — Plan members (e.g., clergy) will begin selecting in waves.
• Nov. 15 — Non-sponsored members (e.g., clergy on leave from call) being selecting in waves.

New Options for 2025

Two new options are available for the 2025 plan year:

• Roth IRA — Available starting Jan. 1, 2025, this option will allow members to make ELCA Retirement Plan contributions on an after-tax basis and tax-free withdrawals in retirement under specific conditions. Portico Financial Planners are ready to help rostered Ministers of Word and Sacrament, in particular, to consider the complexities related to clergy housing allowance as they consider whether to make Roth contributions. Members are strongly encouraged to consult with a tax professional before deciding to make Roth contributions.
  
• Value Copay — Value Copay works well for plan members who prefer to pay for certain health care visits and laboratory tests with predictable and manageable copays. In addition to copays, Value Copay includes an individual $2,500 deductible for medical services not covered by a copay, the same prescription drug coverage as Gold+, and a $6,000 individual out-of-pocket limit. Value Copay’s base price for sponsoring organizations will sit between Gold+ and Silver+. Leading up to Annual Enrollment, you’ll be receiving detailed information about Value Copay and how it compares to the Gold+ and Silver+ health benefit options. Your sponsoring organization’s health selection affects the options you’ll see when you go through Annual Enrollment. With a new ELCA-endorsed option on the table, take a few minutes to check it out and, if interested, let your organization know what you want.
  

Know Your Other Benefits

Portico is not just insurance. Numerours services ranging from online health care to mental health services to wellness programs are included in several of the plans or may be included as options. By entering through your MyPortico account and clicking on the Health Benefits tab, you can access information on the following and more. Take the time to explore the different services:

• Virtual Text-Based Care: 98point6^®
• Mental Health Programs
• Employee Assistance Program: Carelon Behavioral Health^®
• Online Mental Health Program: Learn to Live
• BlueLing TPA
• Well-Being Education: Being
• Chronic Condition Management: Omada
• Digital Physical Therapy & Mobility: Sword Health
• Online Health & Fitness: Burnalong
• Prescription Drugs: Express Scripts^®
• Dental: Delta Dental^®
• Vision Care Services: VSP™
• Hearing Discount: Amplifon Hearing Healthcare

From Portico on the Wellness Front

Harness the Power of Rest

Just as every Sunday is a “little Easter,” every night offers a chance to take a “little sabbath” and restore your body through healing rest. If you have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling like you’re getting a good night’s sleep, Portico members with ELCA-Primary health coverage have a wealth of resources to help. Since March is National Sleep Awareness month, why not check out Learn to Live’s course on insomnia (use the access PORTICO to register), or the Being Academy’s course on sleep.

Creative Ways to Care for your Body

Looking for fresh inspiration of ways to care for your body – through movement, nutrition, or meditation? Burnalong’s daily calendar links to a different short online course each day. March features fun recipes and kitchen tips, just in time for National Nutrition Month.