gospeladvance,
Having a good dental plan is a wonderful thing! I am not clear as to
whether the "/CA" in your subject line refers to California, or not,
but the information I have found pertains to clergy in general, with
one diocesan plan from Illinois.You did not state your denomination,
so I listed several denominations in my answer. It appears that there
are different plans avaialable to clergy, even within one
denomination, depending on geographical location, and/or congregation
size.I would expect that your best source of information pertaining to
clerical insurance of all kinds would come from your church itself.
Clergy:
The United Church of Christ does offer a dental plan for it's clergy
and members. You must be employed at least 20 hours a week, and either
sign up within your first 90 days of employment, or be in good health
if signing up after the initial 90 days.
http://www.ucc.org/pensionboards/prod.htm
This page, on the same site, describes the costs and benefits.
http://www.ucc.org/pensionboards/helben.htm
For the Episcopal denomination, a site with dental coverage, and more
(vision, trusts,etc.)
http://www.cpg.org/healthcare/active_employees/dental/index.html
Episcopal AND California
http://www.dncweb.org/treasinsurance.htm
For Synod of the Pacific (governing body of the Presbyterian
Church)denomination:
http://www.synodpacific.com/programs/bottomEligib.html
http://www.ucc.org/pensionboards/helben.htm
The Church of Christ pays the premium for it's clergy, and encourages
it's congregations to use the above mentioned UCC plan for it's
clergy.
( http://ocucc.org/CompGuide.htm#benefits )
For Catholic clergy, the diocese usually provides for it's clergy and
employees, but the plans vary from diocese to diocese. You would need
to check with your own diocese. Here is a site from the Illinois
diocese, just for your perusal
http://www.dio.org/finance/benefits.htm
The link to Delta Dental Care:
http://www.deltadentalil.com/
A little about a Unitarian plan:
http://www.uua.org/ministry/ocsf/insbensum.html
Military Veterans-
Below is some information for veterans, although you did not state
whether you are a retired veteran. Visit the VA sites below, as you
ARE eligible for some form of dental coverage. The TriCare Delta plan
is geared to retired veterans.
"Dental care may be provided for those veterans (1) who have a
service-connected compensable dental disability or condition; (2) who
have a service-connected, non-compensable dental condition or
disability and were former prisoners of war; (3) who have a
service-connected, non-compensable condition or disability resulting
from combat wounds or service trauma..." Quoted from the Catalog of
Federal Domestic Assistance site, whose address appears below:
http://www.cfda.gov/public/viewprog.asp?progid=778
You may apply for benefits by going to the VA in person, OR by
clicking on this link
http://www.va.gov/forms/medical/FormImageFiles/10-10EZ.pdf
Print out the application and mail it to your closest VA center.
(In case the above link does not work in your browser, go here):
http://www.va.gov/forms/medical/SearchList.asp
and enter 10-10EZ and click submit.You will need to have Adobe
reader installed...if not, the website will direct youin obtaining it
for free.
To locate your closest VA, click here
http://www.va.gov/sta/guide/home.asp?DIVISION=ALL
I urge you to find and call the VA closest to you. Talk to them about
you needs and situation.They can refer you to people who are trained
to assist you in finding the benefits you need.
If you are a RETIRED veteran, here is the link for TriCare Delta
Dental coverage. Their phone number is: (888) 838-8737 (toll free),
and the website offers this number, for 24 hour help, Monday through
Saturday (888) 336-3260 (toll free)
http://www.ddpdelta.org/
I wish you the best in obtaining good dental benefits. Let me know if
this answers your question!
crabcakes |
