June 11, 2026
From the Office of the Bishop Bonnie A. Perry
Dear Friends,
The Diocese of Michigan remains deeply committed to providing strong and meaningful health care coverage for clergy, lay employees, and their families. We continue to believe that providing family health care coverage when needed is an important expression of our shared life and care for those who serve the Church.
At the same time, health care costs across the Episcopal Church continue to rise significantly. After prayerful discernment and conversation, Diocesan Council has approved a phased transition in our diocesan health care offerings in order to sustain strong benefits into the future.
These changes will take place gradually over the next several years:
Importantly, for congregations offering HSA-compatible plans, employers will fund the employee HSA account with the deductible.
We recognize that Health Savings Accounts and High Deductible Health Plans may feel unfamiliar or concerning to some. We want you to know that these remain strong and comprehensive health care plans, and we are committed to helping congregations and employees prepare thoughtfully and gradually for these changes.
Over the past year, diocesan staff have already begun participating in these plan changes so that Diocesan Council can gather feedback, questions, and real experience before broader implementation.
To support this transition, we will host informational webinars with Church Pension Group representatives in July and September to explain HSAs, answer questions, and provide practical guidance for clergy, lay employees, treasurers, wardens, and congregational leaders.
You will also receive a survey inviting you to share questions, concerns, and hopes regarding these upcoming changes. Your feedback will help shape how the Diocese supports congregations and employees moving forward.
We know that conversations about health care can create anxiety, especially when change is involved. Our hope is to move through this transition together with honesty, compassion, careful planning, and faithful stewardship.
Thank you for your ministry and for the many ways you serve Christ and the people of this Diocese.
Faithfully,