For Immediate Release

Contact: Julie Capozzi
Managing Director, Communications
(847) 866-4111
[email protected]

Glenview, IL—Wespath’s mission of “caring for those who serve” is part of everything it does, from administering benefit plans on behalf of over 100,000 participants, to the way its employees support local communities. So when the COVID-19 crisis hit in March, Wespath leadership and employees were quick to respond.

“In these trying times, we are more aware than ever of how truly connectional we are as a Church and global community,” said Barbara Boigegrain, Wespath General Secretary. “Wespath is striving to provide guidance, services and support to the varied groups we serve in a multitude of ways.”

Even before mandated by federal legislation, Wespath was actively supporting the health-related needs of its clergy and lay participants by providing more flexible access to health plan (HealthFlex) benefits for coronavirus testing, telemedicine and prescription refills as early as March 18. As CARES Act legislation began to address financial aspects of COVID-19, Wespath responded with loan repayment delay processes for individuals, and will soon implement opportunities for COVID-related distributions and suspension of Required Minimum Distributions from certain Wespath-administered retirement plans. Wespath benefits educators are offering enhanced one-on-one consultations to assist individuals who plan to retire in 2020. Backed by a robust video series and Coronavirus webpage on wespath.org, there is a wealth of COVID-19 information and support available.

As Church stakeholders try to understand and maneuver through CARES Act ramifications and opportunities, Wespath is there to help, partnering with the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) to provide CARES Act resources for local churches, annual conferences, and clergy and lay employees. In addition, to ease financial burdens and allow annual conferences to better support local ministry needs and churches, without interrupting coverage, Wespath is instituting two premium relief programs: a three month premium holiday for conferences for the Comprehensive Protection Plan (CPP), the clergy disability and death benefit program; and temporary deferral of HealthFlex premiums for conferences and other UMC plan sponsors. At the same time, Wespath has cut its operating budget and is prepared to do more as conditions warrant in response to the market downturn and emerging realities.

At the heart of all COVID-19 actions are Wespath employees, who during this challenging time have come together to start a #WespathCares platform to provide support for individuals and local communities working on the front lines. Employees have already personally funded lunches for a local hospital’s ER staff and for workers at a local grocery store. Wespath’s Facebook and Twitter pages regularly share details.

“Our focus will remain on serving the individuals, local churches, annual conferences and investors unsettled by the health, economic, ministry and social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Boigegrain. Nowhere is this more prevalent than when serving individuals and families personally touched by COVID-19. “We continue to pray for the health and safety of those we serve, understanding that our efforts matter most when those who dedicate their lives to serving others are themselves in great need.”

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About Wespath Benefits and Investments
Wespath Benefits and Investments (Wespath) is a not-for-profit agency that has been serving The United Methodist Church (UMC) for over a century. In accordance with its fiduciary duties, Wespath administers benefit plans and, together with its subsidiaries, including Wespath Institutional Investments, invests over $24 billion in assets on behalf of over 100,000 participants and over 100 United Methodist-affiliated institutions (as of February 28, 2020). Wespath invests in a sustainable manner that seeks to achieve positive financial, social and environmental impact while upholding the values of the UMC. Wespath maintains the largest reporting faith-based pension fund in the world. For additional information about Wespath Benefits and Investments, please follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.