CHICAGO, IL (January 5, 2009) – Bethany Benefit Service today announced an increase in the group life insurance benefit from $75,000 to $100,000 effective January 1, covering all active employees of the Evangelical Covenant Church (pastors, missionaries and office workers) actually enrolled in Bethany Benefit Service.
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\n\u201cEven better news is that this increase comes at no additional premium costs to participants or churches,\u201d notes Dean Lundgren, ECC vice president for finance. \u201cWe are always looking at ways for Bethany to either enhance benefits or make them more cost effective. We are delighted that this change occurs at a time of significant financial challenge.\u201d<\/p>\n
Efforts also continue to add wellness components to the medical coverage provided by Bethany through Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. One component of this wellness program is that individuals covered by Bethany recently received a mailed announcement concerning the new \u201cYour Lifestyle Returns Program.\u201d This wellness component also applies to spouses covered by Bethany.<\/p>\n
Participants can earn valuable incentives by completing the Succeed Wellness Profile. \u201cThose completing the wellness profile for the first time will receive a $50 gift card,\u201d says ECC Director of Finance Elliott Johnson. \u201cIf you completed the profile last year and complete it again this year, you\u2019ll receive a $75 gift card.\u201d In addition, those completing the entire Lifestyle Returns five-step program will receive a $50 gift card. To receive the incentives, one must have Highmark coverage, complete all the requirements, and be actively employed by the ECC at the time the gift card is issued.<\/p>\n
If your church is interested in enrolling its staff in Bethany Benefit Service, please contact Bethany Benefit Service at 800-313-8955.<\/p>\n
The Covenant Board of Pensions and Benefits and the staff of Bethany Benefit Service extend best wishes to all for a safe, healthy and happy 2009!<\/p>\n