Board of Pensions extends prayers, assistance information to Harvey victims

The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) | Presbyterian News Service

PHILADELPHIA — As the Board of Pensions continues to pray for the victims of Hurricane Harvey and its aftermath, and those laboring tirelessly to help them, the agency [along with its sister agencies in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and business partners] today offered the following information in hopes that it may help during this difficult time.

Teladoc Access 24/7. Teladoc is offering free access 24/7 for general medical services to any resident of the Hurricane Harvey evacuation zones in Texas and Louisiana. Any individual impacted — even those who are not plan members — may call the designated hotline (855-220-4585) to schedule a phone and/or video consultation with a doctor for common acute issues. More information may be found at Teladoc.com.

Prescription Drug Access. To ensure that members in affected areas can continue to receive their medications without delay, OptumRx will contact members whose prescriptions are due to be refilled and who receive specialty medications. In addition, OptumRx customer service advocates will be able to approve early prescription refills and help find a local pharmacy and confirm operating hours and conditions. See the OptumRx website for more information.

Crisis Phone Consultations. Cigna is providing free crisis phone consultations with its licensed clinicians for all storm victims in the Texas Gulf Coast region. These public access services are available through October 15, 2017, by calling 866-912-1687. Cigna administers the Employee Assistance Program for employers and members with medical coverage in the Benefits Plan of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Members and others in their households should continue to call the dedicated Cigna EAP support number at 866-640-2772 or visit the Cigna website and select More … (including our Disaster Resource Center) under Members.

Emergency Assistance Grants. Through the Board’s Assistance Program, Emergency Assistance Grants may be awarded to any active church workers — Benefits Plan members or not — who have a one-time need. Church workers who believe they qualify and would like to apply should contact their presbyteries.

Invoice Payment Arrangements. The Board recognizes that some churches, other employers, and individuals may not be able to pay their invoices on time in the aftermath of Harvey. We do not want to create an additional burden for those who are displaced or otherwise not able to pay their invoices. If possible, call us at 800-773-7752 (800-PRESPLAN) and speak with a service representative, or email us at memberservices@pensions.org, so we can assist you with making payment arrangements.

Please do not hesitate to contact the Board if you have questions about benefits or assistance provided by any of the Board’s partners. We are here to serve our members and their families, employers, and mid councils and will work to provide the support and information you need.

About the Board of Pensions

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is a connectional church. The Board of Pensions, one of six agencies of the General Assembly of the PC(USA), fulfills a unique role in the community by upholding the commitment made by congregations to care for installed pastors and by providing ways for churches and other Presbyterian-affiliated employers to care for other ministers of the Word and Sacrament and other employees. The Board administers the benefits of approximately 20,600 pensioners and survivors, 12,900 active members, 18,300 dependents, and 8,700 inactive members (those with vested pension credits who are not actively participating in the Benefits Plan).