Why I'm not good enough for Guidestone

One of the horrific things about being called into the pastorate is having to be rejected for health insurance from Guidestone. We got a letter from "Case Professional Resources" of Guidestone saying that I would have to be off my antidepressant for 5 years before they would cover me. (This is a med I've taken since '92 and has helped me immeasurably. I literally say grace before I take it thanking God for this solution after suffering through depression for 2 years.)

I was also denied disability insurance from Guidestone because I saw my doctor about a sore back 5 months ago.

I've never had surgery. My blood pressure is perfect. I took a total of 5 sick days in 15 years at LifeWay.

They said they'd take my family if our church staff was larger than 10 and that really bothered me. All the church pastors around the nation that have committed the sin of having a heart cath, or are diabetic, or you name it... and are denied coverage because they aren't in a large church staff situation.

On top of it all the customer service has been absolutely awful. Very cold, uncaring, saying, "You can appeal but it won't do you any good."

I think it's more than wrong. It's immoral.

Just one pastor's opinion.

Comments

[john the lesser]

I was talking to a pastor last night about the very thing. He is trying to create an organization with one of the benefits of offering group insurance. Right now it is in the camp of lawyers and insurance agents. I will let you know if it blossoms.

[Myra Jackson]

(with a saddened smile b/c I can relate) welcome to the "organized church" ministry....sad huh?

[wanda]

Well, if you were in Texas I would write you immediately - that's what I do to pay the bills- employee benefits and individual coverage. How many staff (full time) do you have? I could get licensed in Tennessee and write your group.
wanda

[wanda]

Well, if you were in Texas I would write you immediately - that's what I do to pay the bills- employee benefits and individual coverage. How many staff (full time) do you have? I could get licensed in Tennessee and write your group.
wanda

[matt tullos]

Hi Wanda. Could you email me your phone #. Love to chat with you about it:-)

[marty]

I'm disappointed for you but can't say I'm shocked. How dare a pastor of an SBC church be depressed and get help for it. Jesus is the only therapy we need. I once heard a pastor say that God can't use depressed people. I never went back to that church.

[Shamburger]

matt:
I am so sorry.
insurance is, in my estimation, the biggest scam in America.
I am trying to build a health savings account to be self insured someday.

[Jim]

Matt,
I joined with Christian Care Medishare because I had back trouble (no surgery) some time ago and every now and again, my back hurts. But, I work out and keep up on it. Medi share accepted me. The coverage is not as extensive, but when you really need it, it blows Guidestone away. 100% coverage after you hit you deduct... My wife had a fear of a heart attack, EMS, Emergency room... Only $250 out of pocket. Now, I have to purchase my own prescriptions and pay for Doctors office visits. But, with what I am saving in premiums, I still come out ahead of Guidestone. Just some thoughts. Thanks for your posts.