Recently, we emailed employers and members a personalized link to our annual survey. As the recent “Ask. Listen. Act.” email stated, your feedback directly impacts the plans and services we pursue on your behalf. If you haven’t responded yet, the deadline is Oct. 22. If you have completed it, thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Annual Compensation Reports (ACR) are necessary to ensure proper benefits for your workers and accurate billing. More information regarding 2026 ACR submissions will be available soon. If you need to submit your 2025 ACR, please contact CPS at 888–927–7526 or [email protected].
2026 change for 403(b) catch-up contributions
Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, a new regulation from the SECURE 2.0 Act will take effect.
Workers age 50 and older with 2025 FICA wages above $145,000:
May make regular contributions on either a pre-tax or Roth after-tax basis
Must make catch-up contributions on an after-tax Roth basis
Workers with 2025 FICA wages below $145,000 are not affected.
If you have workers who may be impacted, CPS will provide additional information to help you administer this new regulation and stay compliant. You’ll need to work with your payroll provider to make sure that contributions are properly handled.
Serving the Church comes in many forms and each plays an important role in our LCMS community. The LCMS values the dedication of these individuals and sets aside special days throughout the year to show gratitude for their tireless efforts.
This October, there are two important opportunities to recognize and appreciate specific church workers.
Oct. 12 is Pastor Appreciation Day.
Oct. 25 is Deaconess, Director of Family Life Ministry, Director of Christian Outreach and Director of Church Ministries Appreciation Day.
These observances remind us of the incredible work happening in our ministries every day.
CPS expresses our gratitude to those who serve in these important roles and work together to help carry out the mission of the Church.
MEMBER PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Virtual physical therapy with Sword Thrive
Back, joint and muscle issues are painful enough without spending hours traveling to and from physical therapy visits. If you have workers experiencing this pain and inconvenience, tell them about Sword Thrive* — virtual physical therapy that they can do from anywhere.
With Sword:
73.7% participants experienced reduction in pain or symptom levels.
71.8% participants reduced the number of missed work hours.
47.9% participants improved the ability to function normally while performing tasks.
“When I hurt my back, I went from being independent and active to dependent and sedentary, taking a toll on my physical AND mental health. I’m happy to say that with time, rest, prayer and dedicated daily virtual physical therapy from Sword, I’m moving normally again, and my days are brighter. I highly recommend the positive physical and mental benefits of using movement as medicine.” — Carrie J., Concordia Health Plan member, Missouri
*Available to workers and dependents enrolled in the CHP
Financial Wellness Corner
The Retirement Connection tool is an excellent way for your workers to better understand the value of the Concordia Retirement Plan (CRP) pension, because it allows them to see dollar amount estimates of their pension benefits. By making contributions to the CRP, you provide them with a paycheck for life!
How much will members receive from their pension?
Members can log in to their Member Portal at ConcordiaPlans.org and find the Retirement Connection under the Financial Wellness tab. After they input factors such as estimated date of retirement, they will see estimates of their monthly pension benefit.
Register for the upcoming “Retirement Connection Demonstration” webinar Oct. 16
Reminder: 'Fall Savings Challenge' ends Oct. 31
There’s still time for your CHP–enrolled workers to earn up to 350 Vitality Points while building their financial security. They need to complete one of these activities before the deadline:
Here’s a snapshot of the communications we’ll send your workers this month (they may also receive additional communications from our vendors):
Financial Wellness Webinar
The upcoming “Retirement Connection Demonstration” webinar is Oct. 16 at 10 a.m. CT.
Member OE Packet Mailing and Reminder Email
Members will receive a packet and email directing them to ConcordiaPlans.org/OpenEnrollment to prepare for choosing their 2026 benefits, as well as a reminder to register or check login credentials for the Member Portal.
CPS Survey
Members and employers are invited to share their opinions and experiences with CPS through a survey.
Quarterly Benefits Connector Email
The Benefits Connector e–newsletter updates members on what’s new and how to best use the benefits available to them. These segmented emails go to members based on their plan enrollments and eligibilities.
Meet a Financial Educator Event
Members can register for our next “Meet a Financial Educator” event the week of Nov. 3.
