Reporting Changes

Employment changes can be reported on the Employer Change Report Form (preferably) or by letter giving complete information. Prompt reporting is important because it facilitates the handling of billing adjustments for the employer and communication to the worker as to the status of his/her coverage.

Terminations: Coverage for all three Concordia Plans terminates the end of the month in which employment with a participating LCMS employer terminates. Contributions are due by the employer through the date coverage terminates.

Transfers: When a worker transfers to another participating LCMS employer, the employer that worker has left is responsible for paying contributions through the end of the month in which employment ended. The new employer begins paying contributions the first month coinciding with or next following the worker’s employment date. If there is a gap period, the worker will be responsible for paying the contributions for the Concordia Health Plan (CHP) in order to maintain continuous health coverage; however, either employer can pay the contribution for the gap period, if desired. Coverage under the Concordia Retirement Plan (CRP) and Concordia Disability and Survivor Plan (CDSP) for any period between payment of contributions by the employers is provided at no cost to the worker or to either employer, as long as the gap is less than three calendar months in length.

Late Reporting: If notice of a termination is not reported within 30 days of the event, the employer will be required to pay the Concordia Health Plan (CHP) contribution through the end of the month in which notification is provided. In the case of a transfer, failure to report within 30 days will result in the employer being billed for Concordia Health Plan (CHP) contributions for any interim period (the employment gap between employers) of two months or less. If the interim transfer period is more than two months, the employer will be billed through the end of the month in which the transfer was reported.

Retirements: When a worker is planning to retire, he/she should contact Benefit Services at 1-888-927-7526 to request an Application for Retirement Benefits and a Form W-9. The Application for Retirement Benefits must be completed by the worker and the employer. The Form W-9 must be completed by only the worker. After Concordia Plan Services receives the completed forms, the retirement will be processed and the worker will be contacted regarding his/her retirement benefit.

Status Changes: Changes in a worker’s family status can be reported either by the worker or by the employer. Such changes include marriage, divorce, new baby, child ceasing to be a student, death of a spouse or child, etc. It is important that such changes be reported promptly on the Request for Membership Change form so that the necessary adjustments in coverage and contribution rates can be made so that there is no delay in the effective date of the coverage.