<p>This may be a goofy question, answered many times on this board, but what about health insurance? Is this a covered item by the DOT? Do I need to contact my carrier regarding this upcoming event?</p>
<p>Thanks in advance,
jeff</p>
<p>Hi JRH...</p>
<p>As I recall, it is suggested that you keep your mid on your health plan. Having said that, my son told me he just had a dental exam at KP and two cavities were discovered...both will be filled this week at USMMA. (I'll let you know if we get a bill). </p>
<p>When you get your bill for the first year from KP, you'll notice that part of the cost covers medical.</p>
<p>Here's the info from USMMA, under health services (note paragraph 3):</p>
<p>"Midshipmen qualify for benefits under the Federal Employee Compensation Act in the event of illness or injury in the line of official duty. Medical care continues while aboard ship during sea training either under the Federal Employees Compensation Act and/or under the shipping companys protection and indemnity
coverages.</p>
<p>The Academy has a comprehensive health service program in order to ensure proper personal protection against illness and injury in instances where the Federal Employee Compensation Act, the shipping company, and other limited coverages provided by the government do not apply. As an integral part of this comprehensive program, the Academy has initiated an excess medical care plan. Some types of medical care, however, are not provided under any of the health delivery systems discussed above.</p>
<p>It is important to note that while Academy medical care is extensive, a midshipman is not entitled to unlimited medical care at government expense. The midshipman and midshipmans family are advised to maintain any existing health care insurance plan already in force. The use of private insurance may be necessary in some instances."</p>
<p>Thanks PM =</p>
<p>I really appreciate the info - part of the medical on this end required that Tyler has to have his braces off of his teeth prior to going in for idoc (they're being removed in May) - I plan on keeping him active, but was wondering if everything was covered. I did find that my vehicle coverage was pretty flexible - they are willing to take him off as "primary driver" of his car, but to call when he was home for any lengthy period...thereby saving quite a bit of $$.</p>
<p>I'm definitely "drinking from the firehose" on this stuff. Once again, I'm really glad I found you guys - you're already making life easier for me and mom :)
jeff</p>
<p>Jeff,</p>
<p>"USAA" seems to be the popular auto insurance carrier among those on this service academy forum (we've had it for years)...mucho dinero saved when our son left for KP! When we attended acceptance weekend, USAA was there providing info to the parents.</p>
<p>Just a note here on coverage: my impulsive plebe got an infection on his hand after popping another plebe and getting cut by his tooth (long story, not necessary for this topic). He was eventually taken to a plastic surgeon and infectious disease doctor for treatment: completely not covered by USMMA due to the fact that it was the result of an 'altercation'. I still get those bills, btw, Long Island doctors are not cheap!</p>
<p>"drinking from the firehose" ~ That was a good one! LOL That describes what happens when the appointment arrives to a tee! No worries Jeff, we won't let you drown. Have you printed out the parent tips yet on the main parent's page? Those things are a life saver. </p>
<p>We kept our son on our insurance but haven't needed to do anything so far. He ended up at the med clinic for bronchitis and they fixed him up with antibiotics. I've not seen any billing from that & it was just after the Xmas break so I guess all is well. They seem to take care of any problems; flu, injuries, ect. all through the clinic at no cost. Maybe some of the more seasoned parents can chime in here as well?</p>
<p>GB, yikes. I figured out that things like surgery & certain illnesses weren't covered but is picked up by the parent's coverage. Did your personal insurance cover any of it?</p>
<p>Do take a look at your insurance. Covering son cost an additional $450/month (!) on my employer's policy. Looked around and bought an individidual health policy with $1000 deductible for $430 twice a year. So while he is generally covered by the school for most, if something major comes up, off campus so to speak, he'll be covered. Also bought supplemental dental/Rx discount policy from USAA ($7/mo) which helped when his wisdom teeth had to come out. So check your options, but don't go bare.</p>