Dear South Carolina Synod,
In the last few days, Portico has announced its 2027 rate increase and cost-sharing adjustments. I am sure this news was just as surprising for you as it was for us. As we recognize this rate increase will be challenging for all our congregations, we, as the South Carolina Synod office, are looking for ways to help you mitigate rising health insurance costs.
While this increase is in line with national expectations across the health insurance industry, we also recognize that many congregations and rostered leaders in the South Carolina Synod will face difficult conversations and decisions ahead. These decisions encompass both the financial impact to the congregation and the health, well-being, and financial impact to those called to serve our churches and their families. We also know that many people in our congregations and communities are concerned about the rapidly shifting and often confusing landscape of health care coverage in their own lives.
What I want you to know is this: the South Carolina Synod Office hears you, and we share your struggle as we consider what to do and how to care for each other through this challenge. As your Bishop, I am committed to walking with our congregations, rostered leaders, and church employees as we find our way through this news and its impacts. My Goal is to provide helpful information so you can make the best possible decisions amid these changing realities, and to find helpful ways for our congregations to engage the financial burden these rate increases cause.
Please reach out to the Synod office or the Portico customer care center if we can help. We are holding you and your congregations in prayer as we work together to respond to this news.
Yours in Christ,
Bishop Wade Roof
