The following post comes from Gary Skeen, president of CBF’s Church Benefits Board, as part of a blog series related to health care changes due to the Affordable Care Act. Read part 1, part 2,  part 3, part 4,  part 5 and part 6.

It has been a while since I talked with you about the new Healthcare Reform Act and the Marketplace. Frankly, I have been waiting until there was something new to report, beyond just the technology problems of the exchange marketplace. Those issues are being well documented by the larger media.

What I can say is that, with just over 45 days into the roll-out, some people are beginning to get answers from the Marketplace, something we predicted would happen. Ministers with housing allowance are beginning to learn that some are eligible for premium tax credits. But not everyone is, and finding the correct solution is a balance between lowest cost and what is best for the staff community. With the difficulties of the Marketplace web site, more churches are continuing their current health insurance for this year and anticipating continuing to look as we move into next year.

CBB’s partnership with World Insurance Associates (WIA) will be an advantage for ministers and staff wanting to compare insurance plan inside and outside of the marketplace. WIA agents are registered to sell insurance inside of the healthcare marketplace and can assist you with different coverage options and help you in determining your eligibility for tax credits. Working with a WIA representative, or another registered agent, is a great way to search for plans if you have been frustrated or are hesitant with using the healthcare.gov website.

One alternative site for you to explore is the Health Sherpa site, which has been created by some high tech folks to help you get the answers you need about coverage on the exchange. It works very well and should provide answers to most of your questions. If you want to receive subsidies, you may still have to apply through the exchange, but you will be armed with answers already. If you do not qualify or want tax credits, it can direct you to the individual insurance companies’ web sites to enroll, and they appear to be generally working well.

However, this site does not address the small employer (SHOP) exchange, and we are still waiting for that information to be made available. Depending upon your decision timetable, SHOP answers hopefully will become available soon.

We have already heard success stories about those with preexisting medical conditions and those unable to find coverage in the past now being able to find coverage and save money.

In the midst of all the political rhetoric, the opportunity for ministry has taken a back seat. One extremely positive aspect of the law is that the healthcare website is now a central application for a majority of government programs for low income families. Hopefully when the website become fully operational, low income families will have the ability to explore their eligibility for Medicaid, WIC, SNAP, CHIP, Food Stamps and other assistance programs that they may qualify for.

It may be time for your church to see if you can play a role in providing information and assistance to low income families about their new access to medical care. While the act has certainly taken a toll on all of us, next year, if families can avoid bankruptcies and financial disasters because of participation in medical coverage for the first time, the general anxiety we have all felt may make it all worthwhile.

My job at Church Benefits Board is to keep you informed about what’s coming and help you to navigate the process. Your benefits are our ministry. If I can ever be of assistance, I am ready to help. Call us at 1-800-352-8741.