# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_1998_S95 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) SYNODICAL REPORTS 95 Concordia Disability and Survivor Plan The Concordia Disability and Survivor Plan has been designed to meet two important needs: (1) to pay a monthly income benefit when a member becomes totally disabled, and (2) to pay survivor benefits (lump sum and/or monthly income) upon the death of a member before retirement. In addition, the plan pays a lump-sum benefit upon death of an enrolled dependent. The 26,780 members of the Concordia Retirement Plan are also enrolled in the Concordia Disability and Survivor Plan. The benefits paid by the plan during the past three years are shown below: Benefits Paid 1997 1996 1995 Survivor Income $4,356,000 $3,936,000 $3,784,000 Lump-Sum Death $743,000 $875,000 $700,000 Disability Income $4,850,000 $4,980,000 $4,400,000 Pension Plan for Pastors and Teachers Prior to the inception of the three Concordia Plans, the Pension Plan for Pastors and Teachers was the only pension program for pastors and teachers of the Synod. This program provides retire- ment and disability benefits for its members, as well as benefits for surviving dependents of a deceased member. When the Concordia Plans were established in 1965, new en- rollments in the Pension Plan for Pastors and Teachers ceased. However |,400 members who are still actively working maintain an account balance and will ultimately receive benefits from this plan. There are 4,600 individuals currently receiving benefits as re- tired members, disabled members, or surviving dependents of de- ceased members. 1997 1996 1995 Benefits Paid $13,200,000 $12,971,000 $11,954,000 Vision Plan This new program, which was introduced in July of 1997, pro- vides eye exams, lenses, and frames at reduced prices. Enrollment is available to full-time workers participating in at least one of the Concordia Plans through an LCMS employer. Vision Service Plan insures and administers this program. Approximately 4,800 mem- bers are currently enrolled in this voluntary program. Claims paid by Vision Service Plan totaled $422,000 in 1997. Hearing Plan This new program, which was introduced in January of 1998, provides hearing-care discounts for screenings and hearing aids. Enrollment is automatic for members of the Concordia Health Plan. National Ear Care Plan insures and administers this program. Supplemental Benefits Program This program provides additional benefits to eligible retired members and dependents of deceased members if their total monthly benefit is below the established “‘minimum benefit.” At present the minimum benefit is $250 per month for a retired mem- ber, and $150 per month for a surviving dependent. Also, a lump- sum death benefit is provided. Such additional benefits are pro- vided out of the budget of the Synod. 1997 1996 1995 Benefits Paid $687,000 $607,000 $758,000 Support Benefits Program Special Assistance Program The purpose of this program is to provide financial aid to eligi- ble disabled workers, retired workers, and dependents of deceased workers. Funds are provided out of the Synod’s budget. The amount of assistance is based on demonstrated need and is deter- mined in accordance with established guidelines. Financial assis- tance is currently being provided for 30 individuals under the Sup- port Program. 1997 1996 1995 Annual Payments $269,000 $300,000 $322,000 Included in the above figures are benefits paid for a Special As- sistance Program, which provides an assured total monthly income for 70 older and mostly needy retired pastors and teachers and wid- ows of such retired workers. Accident Insurance Programs The Travel Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance Program is provided for members of boards, commissions, com- mittees, and designated members of staff of the Synod. About 2,100 individuals have this $100,000 coverage. The Travel Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance Program for Foreign Missionaries is a program for foreign mis- sionaries and their dependents and covers 270 people. The cover- age for the missionary is $50,000, $20,000 for spouse, and $10,000 for each child. The All-Cause Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insur- ance Program is available to all workers participating in the Con- cordia Plan. There are 8,500 workers participating, with insurance amounts ranging from $25,000 to $300,000. Challenges/Summary In addition to what has already taken place, the board and staff of the Worker Benefit Plans envisions other important challenges in the coming years. They are as follows: 1. Provide automated phone enrollment and access via the Internet ; 2. Continue expansion of managed care into areas which currently have indemnity coverage 3. Offer an HMO (health maintenance organization) option for retirees in Medicare 4. Provide educational material and workshops for members about planning for retirement, especially the role of personal savings 5. Develop field representative positions and enhanced plan Tepresentative contacts to expand contacts with members and employer representatives . Implement a managed dental plan . Implement a nationwide EAP (employee assistance program) to complement the current mental health and substance abuse care provided through Value Behavioral Health 8. Improve the Concordia Retirement Plan for greater flexibility and financial assistance in retirement. One option under consideration is an “add-on” cash balance account component. 9, Provide up-to-date enrollment packets at all employer locations Many changes have occurred in the Worker Benefit Plans within the last three years, the biggest being the Decade IV Service project. Throughout the conversion process of the computer sys- tem, the goal remained clear. The Board of Managers—Worker Benefit Plans and the entire Worker Benefit Plans staff are com- mitted and dedicated to provide the best possible service and pro- grams, to be able to faithfully support “... those in His service” into the 2ist century. We ask for God’s continued blessings and guid- ance, and we also pray for the health and welfare of the pastors, teachers, lay workers, retirees, and dependents enrolled in the Worker Benefit Plans. a Fred W. Fangmann, Chairman Dan A. Leeman, Executive Director R7-01 First Vice-President It has been a privilege and honor for me to serve my Lord and my church as First Vice-President during the past triennium. I give thanks to Him and to you, the members of the LCMS, for the op- portunity. I am and have been grateful to the Lord for the opportunity to work with our President, Dr. A. L. Barry. I am especially grateful