In the Diocese of Newark, the Bishop’s Advisory Committee on Human Resources oversees Human Resources for clergy, church lay staff and the Bishop’s staff.

This committee is appointed by the Bishop to address employment and benefits policy for the diocese and its congregations, including medical, pension and compensation provisions. On an annual basis, the Committee reviews health insurance offerings provided by the Medical Trust and recommends choices to Diocesan Council for ratification, and reviews clergy compensation and benefits policy to present updates to the Diocesan Convention for ratification.

  • Bishop's Advisory Committee on Human Resources

    • Robert LaPene – Chair
    • George Ackley
    • Maria Force
    • The Rev. Ruben Jurado
    • Mary Beth King
    • Lindsay McHugh
    • John Niles
    • Dr. Matthew Price
    • The Rev. Deacon Erik Soldwedel
    • John King – Diocesan Staff
    • Leslie A. Thomas – Diocesan Staff

2025 Annual Enrollment for active employees:
Oct. 16 – Nov. 15, 2024

Annual Enrollment is the once-a-year opportunity for eligible clergy and lay employees to review options, enroll in or change medical or dental coverage, add or remove eligible dependents, and verify contact information (even if coverage is not changing). It’s also a good time to ask any questions about plan changes or about benefits.

  • New in 2025: Care Coordination from Quantum Health

    The Medical Trust has contracted with Quantum Health (Quantum) to enhance the benefits of its plans that use the Anthem and Cigna networks. 

    During Annual Enrollment, Quantum care coordinators will be available to members enrolled-or eligible to enroll-in one of these plans if they need help understanding plan options or choosing the right plan. Simply call (866) 871-0629. 

    Beginning January 1, 2025, Quantum will help members: 

    • Find in-network physicians 
    • Answer claims, billing, and benefits questions 
    • Prepare for a hospital stay 
    • Verify coverage and, if necessary, get prior approval 
    • Contact doctors to coordinate treatment 
    • Save on out-of-pocket costs 
    • Replace ID cards, and more 

    In December 2024, members who are enrolled in a plan using the Anthem or Cigna network for 2025 will receive new ID cards with a NEW plan number, which they MUST use for medical, behavioral health (including the EAP), and prescription (Express Scripts) services. Their old cards will not work after 12/31/2024. 

    Learn more

  • Plans, summaries & rates

    For 2025, the Diocese of Newark will continue to offer the same eight medical insurance plans offered in 2024. Click link to open the plan summary in PDF format.

    *These four plans are high-deductible health plans, also known as Consumer Directed Health (CDHP) Plans that come with a “tax-favored” Health Savings Account (HSA). Because the HSA is funded by the employer and/or employee, when determining total health care costs for a CDHP Plan, the employer’s contributions to the HSA should be considered in addition to their monthly premiums for the CDHP Plan.

    SEE 2025 MEDICAL AND DENTAL INSURANCE RATES

  • How to enroll

    To apply for medical and dental insurance, complete the form and return it to Leslie Thomas, Diocesan Benefits Administrator, for processing. Do NOT submit the form directly to the Episcopal Church Medical Trust.

    APPLICATION FORM

Resources

HR Resources

Go to list

HR Resolutions passed by Convention

Go to list

Questions? Contact the Diocesan Benefits Administrator:

Leslie Thomas

Leslie Thomas

Contact