We rejoice in the Lord’s provision over these past few years and praise Him for the ways we’ve seen His hand in every situation and season of life. The Alliance Benefits team is privileged to serve the Alliance family and works daily with those in all different kinds of circumstances. We thought it would be helpful to provide once again a brief overview of the products we offer along with a financial update reflecting the evident ways of God’s goodness and care for His people.
The Alliance Health Plan At-a-Glance
The Alliance Health Plan is unique in that it is a self-funded, multi-employer church plan. The monthly premiums collected are used to pay for claims incurred by our participants. These premium dollars are used specifically and only for Alliance participants. There are currently around 1,014 employees participating in both the domestic and international health plans. This brings our total coverage, including family members, to around 3,132 participants. [visualizer id=”3127″]
The Alliance 403(b) Retirement Plan At-a-Glance
The 403(b) Retirement Plan is a “defined contribution” plan created to replace the Fellowship Fund in 2000. The Internal Revenue Service designates it as a “Church Plan”, which allows official workers of The Alliance to offset their housing costs against their retirement benefit. The plan currently has over 3,713 participants growing consistently by 2-4% over the past five years. [visualizer id=”3114″]
Retirement plan investments continue to rise, with combined employer and employee contributions so far this year exceeding $8.1 million. With more than a total of $222 million now invested, the 403(b) Retirement Plan has 28 investment options, including two values-based funds and 12 lifecycle index target-date funds. With the plan’s size, investments have very low internal expenses and fees than many you would find if you invested in an individual account. Along with the advantageous plan structure, we are blessed to have amazing partners, like Steadfast Wealth Co., providing free consultations and assisting our participants to prepare for their financial futures. [visualizer id=”3120″]
The Alliance Fellowship Fund At-a-Glance
The Fellowship Fund, a “defined benefit” plan, started in 1937 and was frozen in 2000 when the 403(b) Retirement Plan was created. About 228 retirees currently receive benefit payments each month from the Fellowship Fund, and allowances are based on years of service. For 2021, the Benefits Board has approved a 1 percent cost-of-living increase. [visualizer id=”3171″]
The Alliance Retiree Life Insurance At-a-Glance
Alliance Benefits offers $7,500 of basic life insurance coverage to eligible retirees, which does not reduce with age. To qualify, the following criteria must be met:
- Have at least 20 years of service with the C&MA
- Must retire from the C&MA at age 65 or older and no longer be employed full-time by the C&MA
- Be enrolled in the Alliance Health Plan life insurance at the time of retirement
- Must inform Alliance Benefits within 30 days of your retirement
Alliance Benefits processes an average of 5-10 life insurance claims each month for retirees who have passed away. It is an honor to work with the families of those who have faithfully served The Alliance for so many years.
We hope you find this information helpful and insightful. If you have questions or would like more information about any of the products mentioned, feel free to contact us any time.
Don became a part of the Alliance Benefits team in November 2015. He brings experience working in accounting and finance from other ministries including, Compassion International and David C. Cook. Don and his wife, June, also served as tentmaker missionaries in Japan. As the Manager of Finance, he is responsible for overseeing the financial activities of the benefits office.
