Selecting 2027 benefits: Guidance for PC(USA) congregations and employers
The Benefits Plan of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) reflects our shared commitment to nurturing wholeness and sustaining ministries.
As congregations and employers prepare to make benefits selections for 2027, we stand alongside pastoral and church leaders to support faithful decision‑making.
If you are a PC(USA)-affiliated employer, read about 2027 benefits and features for your employees.
Benefits that support holistic well-being | What’s new for 2027 | Helpful resources | 2027 Benefits Decisions | How may we serve you?
Benefits that support holistic well-being
The Benefits Plan offers comprehensive benefits that support the holistic well-being of plan members in four key areas: spiritual, health, financial, and vocational. Learn more about these mission-driven benefits.
What’s new for 2027
Congregational Pastors Package updates
Congregational Pastors Package dues for 2027 are 19.75% of effective salary for Member-only PPO medical coverage (subject to minimum and maximum dues), plus 10% of effective salary for income protection benefits, paid entirely by the congregation.
Medical coverage for family members is available to all members enrolled in the Congregational Pastors Package, and congregations may share in the cost. Dues for child(ren), spouse, and family [spouse and child(ren)] are established as national, community-rated, fixed pricing and are the same regardless of the number of children enrolled. A new subsidy will cover 50% of the national, community-rated cost of medical coverage for children.
Effective Jan. 1, 2027, eligibility for the Congregational Pastors Package will extend to include ministers of the Word and Sacrament and ruling elders who are elected to serve in mid council leadership.
See 2027 dues for the Congregational Pastors Package.
Transitional Pastor’s Participation dues and extension
Transitional Pastor’s Participation, originally scheduled to sunset at the end of 2027, has been extended through 2029. This extension gives congregations and ministers already enrolled in this package two more years to transition to the Congregational Pastors Package.
See 2027 dues for Transitional Pastor’s Participation.
Additional Medical Plan options
The Medical Plan will expand from three to six medical options for 2027. Any of the six options may be offered to eligible employees not enrolled for medical coverage through the Congregational Pastors Package or Transitional Pastor’s Participation. Each option includes access to the Blue Cross Blue Shield (BlueCard PPO) national provider network* and high-value features that support holistic well‑being.
The benefits provided under the existing options remain the same for 2027. The new options offer similar features to the existing options with different out-of-pocket costs.
Ministers and eligible family members enrolled in the Congregational Pastors Package or Transitional Pastor’s Participation will continue to be offered coverage in the existing PPO option, called PPO Premier for 2027.
| 2027 Medical Options | ||
|---|---|---|
| Existing option | New option | |
| Preferred provider organization (PPO) | PPO Premier | PPO Select |
| Exclusive provider organization (EPO) | EPO Premier | EPO Select |
| High deductible health plan (HDHP) | HDHP Premier | HDHP Select |
*All PPO, EPO, and HDHP medical options use the BlueCard PPO program, allowing members to access participating Blue Cross Blue Shield doctors, hospitals, and other providers across the country.
Vision Plan rates
Monthly rates for the Vision Plan for 2027 have increased:
- Member-only: $6.67
- Member + Spouse: $13.17
- Member + Child(ren): $14.01
- Member + Family: $22.48
When you choose to offer the Vision Plan to your employees, you may choose to contribute toward all, some, or none of the cost of the coverage. The Vision Plan is not included in the cost of dues packages.
New Long-Term Disability Plan option
The Long-Term Disability Plan provides disability benefits for members unable to work for an extended period of time because of a long-term disability.** Effective Jan. 1, 2027, when you offer the Long-Term Disability Plan to eligible employees who are not enrolled in the Death and Disability Plan, you may choose whether you or your employee pays the full cost of the coverage. Previously, this benefit could only be offered on an employer-paid basis.
If you pay the cost, long-term disability benefits are taxable when paid to the employee. If the employee pays for the coverage, the long-term disability benefits are tax-free when paid to the employee.
**Disability benefits through the Death and Disability Plan are included in the Congregational Pastors Package, Transitional Pastor’s Participation, and Covenant Package dues packages.
Helpful resources
These resources can help guide decision-making for 2027:
- Decision Guide for Minister Benefits, updated with 2027 dues, can help determine eligibility and costs for the Congregational Pastors Package, Transitional Pastor's Participation, and the Covenant Package.
- Use the Medical Plan Comparison Tool to compare up to three medical options for 2027.
- Watch Supporting Congregational Ministry: A Closer Look at Medical Plan Subsidies to learn more about how these built-in subsidies support congregational ministry.
2027 Benefits Decisions2027 Employer AgreementsYour 2027 Employer Agreement is available in Benefits Connect Friday, Sept. 4 through Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. Learn more about submitting your Employer Agreement. Annual Enrollment for employeesThe benefits you select when completing your 2027 Employer Agreement determine the options and costs ministers and staff will see in Benefits Connect during Annual Enrollment, from Oct. 19 through Nov. 6, 2026. Ensure that your benefits selections for 2027 are finalized by Oct. 2, 2026, so your staff have a seamless experience when they elect benefits. |
How may we serve you?
Employer Services representatives can answer questions about 2027 benefits and offer support on submitting an Employer Agreement through Benefits Connect. They are available to serve you at 800-PRESPLAN (800-773-7752) (TTY: 711).
PC(USA) congregations are encouraged to reach out to their Church Consultant to help determine which dues package is right for their situation, understand available benefits for staff and how to structure them, and guide faithful benefits decision‑making.