2025 Annual Report: Community Impact
One Stronger, Healthier, More Resilient Community
This 2025 report reflects what becomes possible when plan members, congregations, partners, and Portico come together.
In our role as the ELCA’s benefit ministry, Portico is called — and honored — to care for the people who lead our community in faith and service to God’s world.
How Portico Members Engaged in 2025
- $212M in annuity payments distributed to nearly 7,700 retired servants and spouses
- 62% of members received preventive or restorative care with Delta Dental
- 2,829 virtual visits through 98point6® by Transcarent, with an estimated savings of $263 per visit
- Reduced cancer screening gaps: Gaps in cancer screening among Portico members are significantly lower than national benchmarks
Your Path Out of Debt + Our Trusted Coaching to Help You Get There
92% of ELCA Retirement Plan members
who enrolled in a LSS Financial Counseling Debt Management Plan successfully paid off their debt in 2025
With the right support, people can move from debt toward financial wellness.¹
Through Portico’s partnership with Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, members have access to trusted financial counselors who help them create personalized plans and regain stability. When our members align their finances with their values, they can lead and serve with greater confidence.
“What once felt overwhelming became manageable. With guidance and a clear plan, I finally had a path forward.”
— Real Plan Member Testimony
Your Financial Decisions + Our Guidance to Help You Plan With Clarity and Confidence
4,214 members
worked with a Portico Financial Planner with a 95.5% satisfaction rate
Guidance helps members make informed decisions and build long-term financial stability.
Through access to financial planners, members receive personalized support that helps them navigate complex decisions and plan for the future with confidence.
“The representative, John, who helped me, is a quality, knowledgeable, wise and delightful gift from God.”
— Real Plan Member Testimony
Your Health Needs, Met Anywhere + Our Connected, On-Demand Care
1,702 members enrolled
in Sword Health, completing nearly 42,000 virtual physical therapy, pelvic health, and mobility sessions
Convenience and confidentiality make a difference.
Virtual care and digital health tools make it easier for members to connect with providers, manage pain, and support their well-being — often without leaving home. These services expand access and help members get the care they need.
Meet Sword
View a brief testimonial highlighting how virtual care supports members’ well-being.
Your Retirement Savings + Our Shared Voice Advancing Corporate Responsibility
9 companies
agreed to take positive action in response to 13 resolutions Portico co-filed — including 5 committed to advancing environmental protections
Through shared investment, Portico and its members have a voice in how companies operate.
By engaging with companies on issues like environmental sustainability, human rights, and corporate responsibility, shareholder advocacy helps encourage practices that support long-term stability — for businesses, communities, and the world.
This work reflects the ELCA’s commitment to stewardship and extends the church’s values into the broader economy.
Good for Shareholders, Good for the World
Shareholder advocacy is done on behalf of all retirement plan members across all Funds. Our collective shareholder voice encourages more sustainable corporate practices at targeted companies Portico and its members invest in. Studies show that, when companies operate with an eye to what’s sustainable — for people, communities, and the environment — they’re better able to:
- Manage legal, reputational, and regulatory risk
- Spot opportunities for efficiency and future savings
- Position themselves for long-term growth
Your Questions, Answered With Care + Our Trusted Support When it Matters Most
11th consecutive year
our Customer Care Center was recognized as a Center of Excellence by Benchmark Portal for delivering world class care and support.
Reliable support creates trust and confidence in moments that matter.
When members have questions about their benefits, they need clear, timely, and compassionate support. Consistent recognition for service excellence reflects a commitment to showing up with care and reliability — year after year.
“They have been more available to us — in person, electronically, and by phone — than anyone we’ve worked with. It reflects the level of service Portico is known for.”
— Ted Goins, Lutheran Services Carolinas
President and CEO
Reports:
Our Community Impact Report shares highlights of the difference we made together for members, community, and one another.
Our Annual Report provides specifics on financial health and our stewardship to the ELCA and plan members.
View our full
2025 Community Impact report:
Our 2025 Annual Report will be published in June:
Looking Ahead
As our community grows and adapts, our shared commitment remains the same: to serve those who serve. Grounded in this mission, we will continue moving forward together, supporting well-being, stability, and long-term sustainability.
¹Source: LSS Financial Counseling, a service of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota.
All statistics shown are as of Dec. 31, 2025, unless otherwise noted.
Portico Benefit Services administers the ELCA Medical and Dental Benefits Plan (which includes the ELCA post-retirement medical benefits). The health plan is self-insured, with the exception of the Medicare Advantage Benefit and the ELCA Part D drug benefit, and is not provided through an insurance company. Portico’s ability to pay claims is dependent on continued contributions, claims experience, and market performance. Portico has contracted with an insurance company to manage and administer the Medicare Advantage Benefit and the ELCA Part D drug benefit.
Plan member rights are governed by the plan document, which is the full, legal description of the plan. If any information herein is inconsistent with the corresponding plan document, the plan document is the controlling document. The plans are church plans, as defined in section 414(e) of the Internal Revenue Code and are not subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).
The eligibility for any benefit will be governed by the applicable plan and its related program or policy terms. Portico (and its designee, the insurer, or claims administrator, as applicable) shall have the power, including, without limitation, discretionary power to make all determinations that the plan requires for administration, and to construe and interpret the plan for purposes of determining eligibility and benefits. Portico reserves the right to change any plan term through the amendment or termination process described in the plan document. The plan document is available by contacting Portico.