PPO Premier and PPO Select

As part of an expanded range of choices, six medical options will be available in 2027, giving employers more flexibility to choose a plan that fits their needs and budgets. Each option delivers high-quality coverage and outstanding features. PPO Premier and PPO Select are the only medical options available through the Board of Pensions that include out-of-network benefits, offering plan members an option if out-of-network providers are needed.

As part of our commitment to wholeness and mutual care, PPO Premier includes income-sensitive deductibles and medical coinsurance out-of-pocket maximums so those with the greatest resources may help those with the least. Note: PPO Select deductibles are set amounts, regardless of salary.

Coverage details

Here are key details about PPO Premier and PPO Select* coverage:

• Out-of-pocket costs are typically lower when using network providers. Participants have access to the Blue Cross Blue Shield (BlueCard PPO) national provider network** of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare providers.
• Members pay a flat copay for each doctor's office or urgent care center visit, or when using the plan's telemedicine benefit.
• For other types of care, including inpatient hospital stays, surgery, and diagnostic tests, members pay an annual deductible before the plan pays benefits for these services.

Annual deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums

For PPO Premier*:

• Members pay an annual deductible based on their effective salary for select covered services. When the deductible is reached, members pay 20% (their coinsurance) and the plan pays 80% for these services.
• This option includes an annual medical coinsurance out-of-pocket maximum, after which the plan pays 100% of allowable charges for the rest of the calendar year (members continue to pay copays for doctor's office visits until the annual total maximum out-of-pocket amount is met). The medical coinsurance out-of-pocket maximum is also salary-based.
  
• A separate out-of-pocket maximum applies for prescription drugs.

For PPO Select:

• Members pay a set-dollar annual deductible for select covered services.
  
• This option does not include separate medical coinsurance or prescription drug out-of-pocket maximums. Once the total maximum out-of-pocket amount is reached, the plan pays 100% of allowable charges for the rest of the calendar year.

Read more details about the out-of-pocket costs for PPO participants in 2026. For the Premier and Select options in 2027, use the online Medical Plan Comparison Tool for more details, including which services require a copay versus those that are subject to the annual deductible and coinsurance.

*The existing PPO option offered in 2026 and the PPO Premier option offered in 2027 are identical.

**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.

Value-added features

Both PPO options include unique features — available with all medical options — that provide exceptional value and promote well-being and wholeness.

• Generous preventive care benefits
  
• Prescription drug benefits
  
• Call to Health
  
• Telemedicine benefit
  
• Mental Well-Being and Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
  
• Centers of Excellence
  
• Diabetes management program
  
• Virtual physical therapy program
  
• International medical care
  
• Vision exam benefit

Personalized support through care navigation

The PPO options also include care navigation through Quantum Health. Care navigation guides members and their covered family members to high-quality care and helps them make the most of their medical benefits. It enhances the value of medical benefits through the Board of Pensions — at no additional cost to the member or employer.

Eligibility

Employers may choose to offer either or both PPO options to employees who are regularly scheduled to work at least 20 hours a week. There is no work-hour requirement for ministers in self-employed validated service to participate in these medical options. Member + Family PPO medical coverage (Member + Family PPO Premier medical coverage in 2027) is included in Transitional Pastor’s Participation and Member-only PPO medical coverage (Member-only PPO Premier medical coverage in 2027) is included in the Congregational Pastors Package. Employers may also choose to offer either or both PPO medical options to employees enrolled in the Covenant Package.