• You are eligible if you are a paid employee of a church, agency or institution affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention;
  - OR -
• You are a paid employee of a church, agency or institution with 10 or more employees that shares common religious bonds with the Southern Baptist Convention; and
• You work 20 or more hours per week; and
• You provide evidence of good health on yourself and all family members requesting coverage.

No, under GuideStone Insurance Plans, dependents are only eligible for coverage if the eligible employee, retiree or student also has coverage.  GuideStone does offer a provision for this situation through the Health Limited Plan. If the primary individual is not approved for health coverage, the Health Limited Plan can be offered for that individual, so that approved dependents are still eligible to carry full coverage on one of GuideStone's PPO medical plans.

The Health Limited Plan is a non-underwritten health plan with minimal benefits that is appropriate in certain circumstances.  View the Benefit Summary for an overview of the plan.

In addition to maintaining dependent eligibility, the Health Limited Plan would also be appropriate coverage while underwriting is in progress, so that participants do not experience a break in health coverage. 

Underwriting is a review of an applicant's health to determine insurability. Coverage in GuideStone health plans is not effective until our underwriter approves the participant’s coverage. The underwriting process typically takes four to six weeks but could take longer during busier times of the year or if an application is incomplete. GuideStone recommends that applicants continue their prior insurance coverage until they receive a decision from our underwriter and GuideStone coverage is effective.

Term life, medical and disability plans require underwriting.  Dental and accident plans do not require underwriting.

If you or your dependents have had at least 12 months of continuous medical coverage prior to applying for GuideStone's health plans, there are no pre-existing condition limitations on your GuideStone plan. You must submit a Certificate of Creditable Coverage from your former insurer, if applicable, as proof of prior coverage for GuideStone to waive any limitations.

If you did not have medical coverage for a full 12 months, or if there was a break in coverage of more than 63 days, GuideStone medical plans have a pre-existing condition limitation. This limitation restricts coverage for a 12-month* period for you or your dependents’ pre-existing conditions. A pre-existing condition, whether physical or mental, is a condition for which medical advice, diagnosis, care or treatment was recommended or received within the six-month period prior to enrolling in the plan.

If a condition is considered to be pre-existing, benefits for treatment of this condition will be limited only for the first 12 months. Any conditions unrelated to the pre-existing condition will receive standard benefits according to the plan.

*The limitation period may be shortened if you or your dependents’ previous coverage ended fewer than 63 days before your GuideStone application for coverage was received. When GuideStone receives proof of prior medical coverage, we will notify you of any reduction to the limitation period.

Your children are eligible to be covered as your dependents on GuideStone health plans until they reach age 25, get married or become no longer dependent on you for their support and maintenance.  Student enrollment status is not a requirement for remaining on your plan. Incapacitated children may be able to remain on your plan longer. Contact GuideStone for specific information. 

Any children who become ineligible because of age, marital status or financial independence may continue GuideStone medical coverage on their own personal policy for up to 36 months. (These provisions are for Personal Plans participants; Group Plans participants should see the group employer for plan guidelines).

Health plan participants should receive two separate ID cards, one from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield (for health care), another from Medco Health (for prescriptions).  You should receive your ID cards within a few weeks of your approval.  If you need to see a doctor or fill a prescription before your new ID cards have arrived, please contact GuideStone for instructions.

(Note: Medco Health allows the option of printing a temporary ID card for prescriptions.  Simply create an account at www.Medco.com).

Yes, all of our PPO plans include maternity coverage.  It does not need to be purchased separately.  New applicants who are expecting a baby will not be excluded because of pregnancy and, if approved for health coverage, the maternity care will be covered according to your plan's benefits.

1. Access to pregnancy-related information on the member site at www.highmarkbcbs.com.
2. Baby BluePrints enrollment package.
3. Vouchers for free gifts throughout pregnancy.
4. Proactive outreach, nurse health coaching and/or case management.
5. Postpartum depression program.
6. Reimbursement for childbirth education classes (taken at any location).

Mid-year changes are generally not permitted unless the change is made within 31 days of one of the following qualifying events:

• Marriage/divorce
• Birth/adoption/placement for adoption
• Death
• Disability
• Continuation
• New employment (includes new seminary students)
• Loss of eligibility (termination of employment, layoff, seminary graduation, retirement)

Medical and dental plan changes are allowed during re-enrollment each fall. You should receive information with the rates and plan changes in early October. Your new plan(s) will be effective the following January 1.