The Church of the Brethren Medical Plan, which began more than 50 years ago, currently offers active employees four different medical plan options. The Brethren Medical Plan exclusively uses Blue Cross/Blue Shield affiliated networks.

These Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans, color-coded for convenience, feature a range of deductibles and premiums. Click here for current eligibility requirements and benefits of being part of the Brethren Medical Plan.

• Eligible dependents who are full-time college or university students will now only need to carry a 9-hour or greater course load to continue their medical coverage. The Plan’s requirement for full-time student status prior to 2007 was to carry 12+ credit hours.
• The Plan limits topical acne cream Retin-A for members under the age of 25 as opposed to under age 30.
• Claims to be considered for payment must be filed within one year from the end of the year in which the service took place as opposed to 12 months from date of service. Claims filed more than one year after the end of the year in which the service took place are not eligible for coverage. 
• Under Highmark’s preventive care schedule, the Plan covers immunizations for members age 18 and older and therapeutic injections when required for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of an injury or illness. The Plan does not cover immunizations required for foreign travel or employment.

Learn more about the specific plan designs by downloading the summary plan descriptions (above right).