Clergy struggle to find affordable health coverage

Pastors, especially those who lead small, independent churches, are struggling to keep up with escalating health care costs (Source: “Health-insurance costs pain many pastors,” Columbus Dispatch, July 25, 2008). In fact, many church officials fear their inability to provide health care could exacerbate an already dire shortage of clergy.

An informal e-mail survey taken in the spring by the National Association of Evangelicals found that thousands of U.S. pastors are uninsured. Many pastors are addressing the problem by finding a second job with benefits, joining a spouse’s plan, joining cost-sharing programs or enrolling in Medicaid if they are eligible.