It doesn't matter what part of Texas you are in, it is easy to see the impact that the local church has on the community. It doesn't matter how if it is small churches or large, the ministries involved make a huge difference.
For many church leaders, the role involves wearing a lot of different hats. Caring for the church staff who serves alongside you is a stewardship issue. Depending up on the size of the church, it can include any combination of pastors, administrative staff, children’s ministry workers, worship teams, and others. These folks deserve our support and love and many churches do show that.
But there’s a big challenge for church leaders trying to show that love and support. In today’s health insurance market, costs keep climbing. The traditional health insurance options usually come with massive price tags. PPO plans with more than minimum essential coverage and smaller network restrictions sound great on paper, but they often come with monthly premiums that make a church budget blush.
Worse yet, after paying those health insurance premiums, there are still out-of-pocket costs that can add up to thousands of dollars of medical expenses when someone on your staff actually needs care. It begins to feel like the insurance company doesn't even want your people to use the group health insurance plan that they sold you.
So what can you do when you want to take care of your church staff without wrecking your budget through healthcare costs?
Three Things You Need To Know Right Now
Most Texans do not think about Catastrophic Health Insurance Plans. Especially Texas Churches. Here are three things you need to know right now.
- Significant Savings On Premiums
- More Control Over Healthcare Choices
- Lower Financial Risk Than You Might Expect
Why Some Churches Are Looking at Catastrophic Health Coverage
Churches across Texas are starting to explore a different approach to health benefits. They are focusing on health insurance coverage that protects staff from major, unexpected medical events while freeing up more budget for day-to-day needs.
This option is called a Catastrophic Health Insurance. Instead of paying for an expensive “everything covered” church plan, the idea is to secure protection against large hospital bills, surgeries, or long-term treatments at a fraction of the cost. Most of these health insurance plans don't come with network restrictions and allow your church staff to obtain care on their terms rather than an insurance provider's. This occurs in three distinct ways.
1. Significant Savings on Premiums
For many small churches, the monthly premium is the biggest barrier to offering staff health coverage. Comprehensive group health plans can easily cost $1,200 to $3,000 per month. And individual health insurance policies without subsidies can be just as expensive if not more. That’s a fixed expense that eats into the budget whether or not anyone files a claim. It just doesn't seem like good stewardship of funds to us.
Catastrophic plans can often cut that cost in half, or more depending upon the age of your folks. These policies step in to cover the big, budget-busting medical events while leaving room in your budget to handle everyday care in a way that works best for your team. It’s a way to offer meaningful protection without draining your ministry funds.
2. More Control Over Healthcare Choices
But it is not just about saving money. A major benefit of this approach is the flexibility it gives staff in how they receive everyday care. Instead of being locked into a narrow HMO network where favorite doctors may not be covered, staff can choose the physicians and health care services that fit their needs.
Many churches are pairing catastrophic coverage with direct primary care (DPC) or concierge medicine arrangements when they realize how much they are saving on insurance premiums. With DPC, your staff can have ongoing access to a local doctor for a flat monthly fee that usually comes with same-day appointments, longer visits, and a more personal relationship. This model can prevent small health concerns from becoming big (and expensive) problems.
3. Lower Financial Risk Than You Might Expect
One concern church leaders often have is the high deductible on catastrophic plans. While some health insurance marketplace options do have steep deductibles, there are private catastrophic plans available in Texas with deductibles under $1,500. For those who qualify, this can drastically reduce both the monthly cost and the potential financial exposure during a major health event.
Many church leaders we talk to often compare these catastrophic plans against health sharing ministries. There absolutely are distinct characteristics that the two types of church plans for health coverage share. But it is important to note that health sharing ministries are not actual health insurance plans. As a result, if something doesn't work right, you will need to secure a lawyer to get the results you want. Catastrophic coverage is health insurance coverage approved by the Texas Department of Insurance that comes with regulations you can count on.
No one likes to think about medical bills, health insurance premiums, or the headaches of navigating the system. Texas churches can now make all of this simpler by using this unique tool that is available with confidence.
Which Texas Churches Is Catastrophic Coverage Right For?
While catastrophic health coverage is a natural fit for younger, healthier ministry staff members, it can also be part of a thoughtful employee benefits strategy for Texas churches of all sizes. No matter your staff's demographic make up.
It’s not about neglecting healthcare coverage. It’s about structuring church insurance coverage so that your church is prepared for the big events while managing everyday care in a cost-effective way. The goal is to avoid a situation where a single hospitalization or diagnosis creates financial chaos, both for the staff member and for the church.
Stewardship in Action
As a church leader, you’re not just buying an church insurance policy. You’re making a decision about how to steward the resources God has entrusted to your ministry. Offering health coverage for your staff communicates value, care, and commitment. And you can do this without requiring you to overspend on options that don’t make sense for your team’s needs.
Let’s Explore Your Options
At Insurance for Texans, we help churches rethink what health coverage can look like. Our independent health insurance agents know the Texas churches and the health insurance market, understand the budget realities churches face, and can guide you through options like catastrophic health coverage, direct primary care, and other creative solutions.
It doesn't matter if you're a small country church with just a pastor, or a bigger city church with a staff and large payroll. If you’re ready to explore ways to protect your staff and your budget at the same time, click the button below to start the conversation. We’ll help you find a plan that makes sense for your ministry today and into the future.