Everence announced in December its direction for health insurance and services to members who will be affected in 2014. Announcements included the following.

• Two small health plans, for people under 65 years old and for small employer groups, will be discontinued in 2014. Everence will help these members move to new insurance options available next year.

• All other health insurance and services, including Medicare supplement plans for older adults and third-party administration services for organizations, businesses and church denominations, will be developed for future growth.

“We believe new state health exchanges or other insurance options becoming available in 2014 will better serve these members,” said President and CEO Larry Miller. Everence stated the plan for individuals had a deep history of providing mutual aid over decades, but also had been losing appeal as more people moved to employer health plans and medical costs rose. Everence chose to keep this insurance plan because some participating members had serious health conditions and could not have bought health coverage from other insurers. In 2014, the new exchanges will provide them with guaranteed access to health insurance, regardless of their health status. “During the transition, we’ll work closely with all affected members, including those with serious health issues, to help them review their coverage options for 2014,” said Dave Gautsche, senior vice president of products and services. Everence will continue to develop and grow other health insurance and services for older adults and large organizations.

For more information visit www.Everence.com or call 800-348-7468.