The annual open enrollment period for 2021 Benefit Plan coverage runs from October 15 to December 1, 2020. This is the only time employees at participating churches may enroll in the plan if they did not originally enroll within 30 days of their hire or eligibility date. Also, churches may update their Employer Benefit Agreement only during the open enrollment period. The agreement details eligibility, payment methods, and Life/AD&D volume.
The Benefit Plan pairs Long Term Disability (LTD) Insurance with Term Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance that can benefit both the staff and the employer. If a disability occurs, the LTD benefit payments help the staff member with financial needs and give the church flexibility of resources to continue to fulfill ministries until the staff member is able to return to duties.
In the event of a qualifying disability, the LTD policy will pay the individual 60% of his or her qualified monthly salary up to $8,500 per month. This income replacement can be tax-free if the premiums were paid through after-tax payroll tax deductions. See the Benefit Plan section of the FCMM website for more information on types of premium payments.
In the event of death, the Term Life policy provides either $10,000 or $50,000 benefit, based on volume chosen by the employer. Accidental Death and Dismemberment coverage is included with Term Life.
The annual cost for LTD coverage is $.008 times covered compensation up to $170,000. Annual cost for Term Life/AD&D is either $36 for $10,000 coverage or $180 for $50,000 coverage. The employer is billed quarterly for LTD and Life/AD&D by FCMM.
Enrollment forms are available at Benefit Plan Forms & Documents. To be accepted for open enrollment with coverage beginning January 1, 2021, forms must be electronically sent to FCMM’s secure portal as instructed on the forms, or mailed with a postmark, no later than December 1, 2020. (Note: The insurance carrier requires that electronic forms be followed by signed hardcopies after FCMM reviews and approves them.)
For more information, see Products & Services: Benefit Plan or initiate contact at benefits@fcmmbenefits.org.
The Benefit Plan is specifically designed for the unique needs of ministers and staff.
