If you missed our live Employer Benefits Election webinars, you can view the recordings on our Employer Election webpage. You also have access to other resources, including guides, 2026 plan information and more. Visit ConcordiaPlans.org/ERelectionsor find your provider and click on the link to go directly to the webinar:
Reminder: All employer elections must be submitted by Sept. 12 to ensure timely and accurate coverage for your workers. Please plan accordingly — no extensions can be granted after this deadline.
Updated resource: ‘Benefits Administration Guide’
The refreshed "Concordia Plans Benefits Administration Guide” (formerly referred to as the Treasurer’s Guide) is your go–to resource for managing worker benefits with confidence. From enrollment and eligibility to employer obligations — everything you need is in one place. Be sure to download the updated guide and keep it handy for quick reference throughout the year.
Your updated "Benefits Administration Guide" is packed with practical information, including answers to one of the most common questions: “Who’s eligible for the Plans?”
Here’s a quick overview:
A worker may be eligible for most Concordia Plans if they:
Anticipate working more than 20 hours per week, and
Anticipate working more than five consecutive months.
This includes workers in day cares, lunch programs, nursery schools and preschools. Occasional extra shifts do not make a worker eligible if their regular schedule is under 20 hours.
Important reminders:
A temporary change in hours (up or down) does not change the original eligibility classification.
Eligibility is based on the intent at the time of hire — not just actual hours worked.
Workers expected to meet the criteria must be enrolled; those who no longer qualify should be removed from coverage.
Within the last six months, ministries used HR Services to get answers to more than 90 HR-related questions — everything from leave policies and benefits to employee management and compliance.
Whether you're navigating a complex situation or just need a second opinion, HR Services delivers clear, timely guidance when it matters most.
“In the past, when an HR issue arose, I had to contact our labor attorney for guidance. And, if it involved more than just a phone conversation, it became billable time. The HR Services provides a multitude of services, from answering HR questions … to policy and handbook templates that may be customized. It has been a much simpler process for me overall.” – Marybeth K., HR Services user
Your ministry can benefit by taking advantage of:
Direct access to experienced HR professionals by phone
Customizable handbook and policy templates
Weekly HR insights with the HR Question of the Week email
Helping your workers transition to retirement coverage
Caring for the health and well-being of our members doesn’t stop at retirement. When a Medicare-age worker in your ministry prepares to retire, you can confidently guide them to Medicare coverage through Concordia Plans.
Amwins Group Benefits administers our Medicare options and has a dedicated team of experts ready to help your retiring workers transition seamlessly from active coverage to retiree coverage. These options provide the same trusted CPS benefits, including medical and prescription drug coverage, plus:
Advantage Plan: Includes Go365, a Humana rewards program promoting personal health and well-being goals
Supplemental Options: Includes mental and emotional well-being support through the Senior Wellness Assistance program
All Plans: Feature Silver Sneakers to promote active lifestyles and TruHearing for hearing aid discounts
August is a great time to encourage your workers — especially teachers — to review their financial wellness to–do list before the busy fall season begins. We’ve made it simple with a sample checklist you can share.
Bonus: The list highlights Vitality–eligible activities for Concordia Health Plan members, so they can turn their progress into reward dollars!
Help your workers see the value of their pension
Your worker’s Personal Statement of Benefits (PSOB) has recently been updated and is now available in the Communication Center of the Member Portal. This quarterly statement is a powerful reminder of the full value of the benefits you offer, including their projected pension amount.
Why it matters:
> Seeing their pension estimate helps workers better understand the long-term value and security of their benefits.
> It reinforces how your ministry cares for them now and in the future.
How you can help:
Encourage your workers to log in to the Member Portal and review their updated PSOB. A quick reminder from you can go a long way in helping them appreciate the full scope of their benefits.
The “H2O for Your Soul” Challenge runs through Aug. 26! Workers enrolled in the CHP can earn 100 Vitality Points by drinking 64 ounces of water a day for at least 20 days. Staying hydrated helps support focus, sleep and more!
Don’t forget to encourage your workers to submit their completed tracker by Sept. 1 through the "H2O for Your Soul" tile in the Vitality Points Planner. Download the Challenge tracker.
Let’s finish strong so we can be well to serve well!
Upcoming Member Communications
Here’s a snapshot of the communications we’ll send your workers this month (they may also receive additional communications from our vendors):
Wellness Webinar
The upcoming “Health Care in Retirement” webinar is Aug. 21 at 10 a.m. CT. This is a great opportunity to help your workers understand their healthcare options at retirement and better understand Medicare.
