December 3, 2011
Orthodox Health Plan announces Open Enrollment Period through December 30, 2011

In November 2010, with the blessing of His Eminence, Metropolitan Hilarion, the Diocesan Council approved a proposal from the Insurance and Pension Committee of the Eastern American Diocese to join the Orthodox Health Plan (OHP). The Joint Orthodox Health Plan Committee voted unanimously to allow for participation by the US-based clergy and lay (at least half-time) employees of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia in the Orthodox Health Plan. From now until December 30, 2011 the Orthodox Health Plan is offering open enrollment.

"It is important to understand that this health plan is not just for clerics of the Eastern American Diocese, but for all ROCOR clergy in the United States," said Deacon George Temidis (Member of the Diocesan Council and Chairman of the EAD Insurance and Pension Committee). "In 2010, when we were doing the research to get our diocesan clergy accepted into this plan, we found that it would be beneficial to submit an application on behalf of all ROCOR clergy in America. By cooperating with the Mid-America and Western American Dioceses, we were able to get all of our ROCOR clergy in America accepted into this plan."

Many clerics and lay employees (who work at least 20 hours per week) of the Eastern American Diocese have already enrolled in this plan, which is the official health plan for US-based clergy of the Orthodox Church in America, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, the Diocese of the Armenian Church, and the Serbian Orthodox Church.

"We have a great opportunity until December 30th for ROCOR clergy and qualified church workers to enroll in this plan, during open enrollment," explained Fr. George. "These days it is difficult to get good medical coverage if you don’t already have it. During open enrollment, clergy can enroll regardless of current insurance status or pre-existing conditions. The plan is an AETNA PPO, which provides broad and flexible coverage including prescription, vision and dental benefits. It is professionally administered and your medical information will not be shared with the Diocese."

To sign up for this plan, clergy are asked to contact the plan administrator GDC Financial Group at 1-203-367-4070, or via OHP’s web site. If you prefer to reach out to someone in ROCOR, please email Fr. George Temidis at: starosta@russian-church-mahopac.org. Enrollment must be completed by December 30, 2011.

For more information click here.

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese