# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_1998_S93 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) SYNODICAL REPORTS 93 Web Sites * Board for Human Care Ministries, regularly updated human care news and information, www.lcms.org/bhcm/bhcm.html ¢ Human Care Ministries Planning Manual, information for congregations on how to start variety of ministries to meet human needs, www.icms.org/bhcm/bhem.html ¢ LCMS World Relief, up-to-date information on disasters and self-help projects, www.Icms.org/bhcm/wr/wrfront.html ¢ LCMS Health Ministries, information and resources about health promotions, parish nursing, and professional church worker health, www.lcms.org/bhcem/hm/hm.htm Videos ¢ Lutherans in Housing Ministry, helps congregations and agen- cies introduce or expand decent, affordable housing in their com- munities; includes study guide for small group discussion. ¢ Domestic Violence and Abuse video Bible study, new resource to help congregations and church-related groups reach out to people struggling with abuse. ¢ Why We Do What We Do, to help social ministry organization staff people grow in understanding of their work as ministry and in motivation to even greater ministry. ¢ Life in All Its Fullness shows LCMS World Relief in action, in- cluding work during disasters, partnership efforts with Lutheran World Relief, cooperative efforts with missionaries and partner churches; includes study guide; free on loan. ¢ Hearts for Jesus Around the World: Children of the Philip- pines, children’s video looks at similarities and difference be- tween life in the United States and in the Philippines from the eyes of missionaries’ 10-year-old daughter. ¢ Making a World of Difference ... in the Philippines, video (first in a series) for congregations and adult groups showing missionaries’ work among the Tagoa Kaulo Kalagan people. Lending Library * Resources (print, video) and compendium of resources developed by Ministry to Prisons, Crime and Justice Task Force; available by request. Gene Svebakken, Chairman Richard L. Krenzke, Executive Director R6-02 Board of Managers—Worker Benefit Plans As the world closes in on the year 2000, much of what is con- sidered unknown may become known, and what so far has been prophecy, may or may not become reality. While many approach the millennium with uncertainty, we at Worker Benefit Plans are confident that God will be with us, and that He will guide us. So, as the Synod focuses its eyes on the future, the Worker Benefit Plans also examines its role as the provider of retirement, health, disabil- ity, vision, and survivor plans to those who faithfully serve in our congregations, schools, agencies, and District and synodical of- fices. As we enter the 21st century, the purpose of the Worker Ben- efit Plans remains firm: these benefit programs provide relief from the anxiety about financial concerns of health-care expenses, loss of income due to disability or death, and future retirement income for 26,000 workers involved in ministry to our Lord. As a self-funded benefit program, the staff of the Worker Ben- efit Plans, working with the Board of Managers, is ever mindful of being good stewards with contribution dollars entrusted to provide these many benefits. With the challenges over the past three years of ever-rising inflation, government regulations, and fluctuating in- vestment markets, the Board of Managers—Worker Benefit Plans performed the following: * Continued to make sound investments that produced excellent rates of return of: 1995 1996 1997 Concordia Retirement Plan 24.1% I51% 22.0% Concordia Disability and Survivor Plan 27.1% 145% 21.5% Concordia Health Plan 12.2% 5.0% 8.1% Pension Plan for Pastors and Teachers Reserve Account 25.6% 8.4% 14.5% Annuity Account 21.5% 3.5% 10.8% Expanded the point-of-service managed care program to include about 70 percent of all workers in the Concordia Health Plan. ¢ Reduced contribution rates two consecutive years and strived to keep subsequent contribution increases to an absolute minimum as follows: 1995* 1996 1997 CHP Managed Care 1.5% -1S% +5.5% CHP Indemnity Program -7.5% -10% = +7.5% Medicare Members NA 5% +2.5% Concordia Retirement Plan Nil NA N/ Concordia Disability and Survivor Plan NA Ni N/ (N/T: No Increase!) * Note: The “experience refund” in 1995, and the rate decrease in 1996, resulted in savings of about $16 million for employers and members par- licipating in the Concordia Health Plan. ¢ Provided five extra monthly benefit checks to retired workers and widows from excess earnings in the Annuity Fund of the Pen- sion Plan for Pastors and Teachers. * Provided extra benefit checks to Support Program beneficiaries each year through funding from an anonymous donor. Increased monthly benefits to retired members and surviving de- pendents of the Concordia Retirement Plan by 2 percent, 4 per- cent, or 6 percent depending upon when benefit commenced. * Increased monthly benefits to beneficiaries of the Concordia Dis- ability and Survivor Plan by 2 percent, 4 percent, or 6 percent depending upon when benefit commenced. Increased the postretirement death benefit in the Concordia Re- tirement Plan from $4,000 to $5,000. Eliminated the forfeiture of creditable service in the Concordia Retirement Plan, and any prior forfeited creditable service for ac- tive workers was reinstated. Improved the “Rule of 85" for the Concordia Retirement Plan so that unreduced benefits are available at age 62 for members re- tiring between ages 55 and 62 who meet the “Rule of 85.” Offered opportunity for workers age 65 and older to receive re- tirement benefits even though still working full-time for a par- ticipating employer. ¢ Changed termination date in the Concordia Retirement Plan and the Concordia Disability and Survivor Plan to the last day of the month instead of the actual date employment ends. Improved the Regular Basis formula of Concordia Retirement Plan, which results in higher retirement benefits for future re- tirees (to 1.1 + 1.6 from 1.1 + 1.5). Eliminated the mandate to begin the start of retirement benefits in the Concordia Retirement Plan at age 70%. * Implemented the Caremark card for prescription purchases, which eliminated the need to file claim forms. Established a new employer option that allows a choice of 20, 25, or even 30 hours for full-time eligibility in the Concordia Health Plan. : ¢ Removed the preexisting condition restriction from the Concor- dia Health Plan in August of 1996. Tested the first HMO in the Concordia Health Plan’s history. (Thanks to Concordia Publishing House!) ¢ Changed claim deadline to be one year following the date a med- ical or dental charge is incurred, and added new deadline re- quirement that disability and death claims must be filed within one year of the event.