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Health Insurance for the Eastern American Diocese
Message from the Diocesan Secretary

Dear in the Lord Reverend Fathers:

Through the efforts of the Insurance and Pension Committee of the Eastern American Diocese (ROCOR), the Joint Orthodox HealthPlan Committee has voted unanimously to open The Orthodox Health Plans (OHP) for participation by the US-based clergy and lay (at least half-time) employees of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia. The OHP announcement letter is attached below.

While investigating health insurance options for the Eastern American Diocese, the Insurance and Pension committee was struck by several noteworthy points about The Orthodox HealthPlan. In these times of runaway costs, with most plans rising at double digit rates annually, the OHP premiums increased only 1% this year. In fact, in the past five years OHP premium increases have been under 5%. (Increase rates are provided for comparison purposes and are not any kind of guarantee relating to future rate increases in the currently volatile insurance market. Premium adjustments (increases) occur on May 1st each year.) In his letter to the Orthodox Church in America, Fr. Eric Tosi, OCA Secretary, attributes this to the plan’s excellent management, a high “in-network” usage rate by participants, and negotiation with the carrier. This level of cost containment was achieved without decreasing the level of benefits. This health insurance offering includes Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription Drug coverage, in a single package. Also, the offering does not charge “per dependent” rates for each child. All eligible children are covered under the “Family” rate.

We understand that the financial commitment is significant, but encourage everyone to look at this offering closely. The high quality of the coverage and the additional components (vision, dental, prescription drugs) are offered at a price that many plans charge for only the medical component. After the Open Enrollment period closes, plan entry will have to wait until the next Open Enrollment offering, in most cases. We are very pleased that this plan is open to all of ROCOR in the United States (and its territories) and that Open Enrollment will permit everyone to enter the plan, regardless of any “pre-existing” conditions on the part of the primary insured or any dependents.

Thank you for taking the time to review this important information.

With love in Christ,
Archpriest Serge Lukianov
Diocesan Secretary

Please note: A lower cost “retiree medical” plan is available for those enrolled in Medicare A&B. For more information on the specifics of this plan, please contact the OHP.

Welcome letter from Orthodox Health Plan

Enrollment Form

Information packet