08/31/2026
Dear Ones of Southeast Michigan,
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.
A week and a half ago, Portico Benefit Services released an official statement outlining rate changes for both the Portico Primary Benefits Health Plan and the Portico Medicare Benefits Plan for 2027. In this statement, it was shared that health insurance rates through Portico sponsored health plans will increase by a baseline of 15%. Exact cost increases will depend on a number of factors including age, number of family members insured, and which plan members choose for the coming year.
The news of this increase was both surprising and disheartening to me. I expect it is likely to be the same for you and your congregations as well. I also understand that this increase comes at a time when everyone’s healthcare is becoming more expensive. Many of our parishioners may be facing significant increases in the cost of their healthcare insurance for the coming year. This is not just a Portico and clergy issue, but a symptom of a national healthcare system in great need of reform.
I and members of Synod staff are committed to finding ways to advocate for both Rostered Ministers and congregations. Our shared goal is to ensure that our Rostered Ministers continue to be well cared for while at the same time working to keep this large increase in healthcare costs from compromising the mission and viability of the congregations we serve.
To that end, I and my staff are gathering information and options so that we can best advocate for both our Rostered Ministers and our congregations in ways that are sustainable and reasonable. Be on the lookout for information regarding zoom information sessions in the coming weeks.
Until then, be gentle with yourselves and each other. We are on the road together and are committed to finding ways to best support our leaders and our congregations in the Southeast Michigan Synod.
Yours in Christ,
Bishop Donald P. Kreiss
