Portico’s February updates include expanded mental health support for members with ELCA-Primary health benefits, important reminders about reporting compensation changes within 60 days, and new Retirement Readiness workshops in partnership with Fidelity. Complimentary clergy and congregational tax guides are also available to help you navigate tax season with confidence.
Read MoreBeginning January 1, 2026, ELCA-Primary members in the Grand Canyon Synod have access to expanded mental health and wellness services through Spring Health. These EAP benefits include therapy, coaching, and flexible care options that support the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.
One of the synod’s Spiritual Directors, David Bullock, is now available as a Spring Health coach while continuing to offer free monthly spiritual direction. Rostered ministers are also invited to explore the synod’s full list of spiritual directors as trusted companions for discernment, renewal, and faithful ministry.
Read MoreJanuary is Financial Wellness Month. Explore Fidelity’s practical financial tips and schedule a free appointment with a credentialed Portico Financial Planner who understands ELCA benefits. Appointments are available online or by phone at no cost to you.
Read MoreStarting January 1, 2026, ELCA-Primary members will have access to expanded EAP services through Spring Health. Therapy and coaching are available for members and dependents, with flexible options including in-person, phone, video, and text-based care. Learn more through myPortico or the 98point6 app.
Read MoreELCA-Primary Health members should have received a new 2026 Portico health ID card, now including a Group ID number. If you received two sets, use the second and destroy the first. Questions? Quantum Health Care Coordinators are available by phone or online, and the Quantum Health app allows digital access to your card.
Read MorePortico Benefit Services is mailing new 2026 Health ID cards and HealthEquity debit cards to ELCA-Primary health benefit members. Most cards arrive in December, though some may be delayed until mid-January. Members can print a temporary card or contact Quantum Health if theirs has not arrived by Jan. 1. HSA/FSA accounts will transition from Further to HealthEquity on Jan. 1, with specific cutoff dates for using current debit cards. New HealthEquity cards should be used starting Jan. 1.
This update outlines key dates, contact information, and steps to ensure uninterrupted access to health benefits in the new year.
Read MorePortico Benefit Services is mailing new 2026 Health ID cards and HealthEquity debit cards to ELCA-Primary health benefit members. Most cards arrive in December, though some may be delayed until mid-January. Members can print a temporary card or contact Quantum Health if theirs has not arrived by Jan. 1. HSA/FSA accounts will transition from Further to HealthEquity on Jan. 1, with specific cutoff dates for using current debit cards. New HealthEquity cards should be used starting Jan. 1.
This update outlines key dates, contact information, and steps to ensure uninterrupted access to health benefits in the new year.
Read MorePortico Benefit Services has announced that the Rev. Yehiel Curry, ELCA presiding bishop, has been appointed as an advisory member of its board of trustees. Curry’s leadership will help guide Portico’s strategic priorities, strengthening its support for the retirement, health, and financial wellness of more than 55,000 ELCA leaders and employees.
Read the full announcement: Presiding Bishop Curry Joins Portico Board or visit Portico’s detailed release: Yehiel Curry Joins Portico Board.
Read MoreMajor changes are coming to all ELCA-Primary Health Plan options in 2026. Rostered ministers, lay staff, and congregational leaders are invited to two live Zoom sessions on Wednesday, August 27, and Thursday, August 28, to learn about the updates and how to prepare for Annual Enrollment. Sessions are not recorded, so advance registration is required. Times and registration links are included.
Read MoreMajor changes are coming to all ELCA-Primary Health Plan options in 2026. Rostered ministers, lay staff, and congregational leaders are invited to two live Zoom sessions on Wednesday, August 27, and Thursday, August 28, to learn about the updates and how to prepare for Annual Enrollment. Sessions are not recorded, so advance registration is required. Times and registration links are included.
Read MorePaul Sterling has been appointed Chief Operating Officer of Portico Benefit Services, effective July 14. Sterling brings significant experience in health care operations, strategy, and innovation, most recently serving as COO at Employer Health Innovation Roundtable. His appointment comes as Portico continues to expand, now serving over 52,000 plan members and 5,100 employers across the ELCA. Click here for more.
Read MoreWe’re a faith-based organization deeply rooted in our mission of serving those who serve. Watch our story to learn more: Benefits That Align with Church Values.
Read MorePortico Benefit Services supported over 52,000 ELCA members in 2024 with tools for health, wellness, and financial security. From nearly 3,000 virtual health visits to $199K in debt repaid, their ministry of care enables those who serve to do so with strength and confidence. In their 2025 annual report, read how their work impacts lives across our synod and the ELCA.
Read MoreThe 2025 Portico Compensation Guidelines highlight updated health benefits through Portico Benefit Services for rostered ministers and lay employees. Congregations are encouraged to review the available health plan options—Gold+, Value Copay, and Silver+—and engage in conversations with plan members to select the best fit for their needs during annual enrollment. Learn more about the shared responsibility between congregations and plan members and how to support the well-being of those serving in ministry.
Read MoreChristopher (Chris) Johnson has been appointed president and chief executive officer of Portico Benefit Services, a separately incorporated ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). He will join Portico on Oct. 7.
Johnson brings a proven 30-year track record of scaling businesses for growth, along with extensive leadership experience, an innovative approach and a strong connection to the church, making him uniquely qualified to advance Portico's vision for the future.
Read MoreThe idea of retirement can bring up many questions and emotions. Portico offers a series of 30-minute, prerecorded, online workshops called the Retirement Readiness Series to help ELCA Retirement Plan members feel confident about discerning their next steps. Workshops are easily accessible on myPortico. There’s no need to preregister — just sign in and watch.
Want to go deeper? Schedule a conversation with a Portico Financial Planner to understand more about where you are now and how to ensure you’ll reach your retirement goals.
Read MoreOne of the best ways to stay healthy is to get regular checkups, vaccinations, and screenings. Preventive care is not only essential for maintaining overall health, it’s also one of the best ways to catch unknown health issues early. An annual preventive exam is part of your ELCA-Primary health coverage and this video can help you maximize the time with your doctor so you can live, work, and serve well.
Read MoreThrough an initiative called Benefits reExamined, Portico seeks input as we discern and design potential benefit changes to continue to meet the evolving needs of this church. Portico plan members and registered EmployerLink users, if you received an email invitation to take the survey, we strongly encourage you to take a few minutes before the survey closes July 12 and add your voice to the conversation.
Read MoreAt Portico we strive to offer benefits that make our plan members’ lives better, so that they can fulfill their mission of helping others live their best lives. Here is a visual recap (view in PDF) of what our community of 45,000+ members experienced in 2023.
Our mission is to serve those who serve — financially, emotionally, and physically. We do this by securing quality, cost-effective, and useful benefits that make a difference for our members and sponsoring organizations. With each new year we continue to grow our pool and affirm the value and importance of church together.
Read MoreLooking for fresh inspiration of ways to care for your body – through movement, nutrition, or meditation? Portico reminds us that Burnalong’s daily calendar links to a different short online course each day. March features fun recipes and kitchen tips, just in time for National Nutrition Month.
Read More
