R-8 Mandatory Participation in Denominational Health Plan (DHP) - passed

Resolved, that the Diocese of Ohio submit the following resolution for action at the 77^th General Convention meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana in July, 2012:

Amendment to the Denominational Health Plan

“Resolved, the House of ________________ concurring, That the 77^th General Convention removes the mandate that dioceses must participate in the Denomination Health Plan by purchasing health insurance through the Medical Trust/Church Pension Group.  All other requirements of A177 passed by the 76^th General Convention remain in force.”

Proposers:

Rationale:

The Denominational Health Plan (DHP) as it was enacted and is in the process of being implemented, does not create a common premium across all dioceses, but has individual premiums for each diocese based upon the particular diocese’s demographics, past experience, and local medical costs.  In addition, it is expected that each diocese will be self-funding for its insurance costs.  Other than a very minimal decrease in administrative costs, there is no financial benefit for dioceses to participate in the DHP because individual dioceses are neither participating in a larger pool of insured individuals from across the Church nor is the cost of insurance distributed across diocesan lines.

The mandate for all dioceses to participate in the DHP through the Medical Trust prevents dioceses from negotiating for equivalent insurance coverage at a lower cost.  Congregations and Dioceses cannot afford to relinquish the financial right and responsibility to secure the best insurance at the least expensive cost.