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Health Insurance FAQ

If you qualify for a health insurance waiver, be sure to submit the waiver form in time for the next enrollment period.

Medical Science Bldg

Insurance Requirement FAQ

 

Why is health insurance required by IUSM?

The base reason IUSM requires health insurance is because it is an accreditation requirement set forth by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), the body that governs the accreditation of all Medical Doctor (M.D.) programs in the U.S. as well as schools in Canada and Puerto Rico. Below is information detailing the LCME requirement and the IUSM student health insurance policy.

 

Who accredits medical schools and what standards are used?

In the United States, the accreditation status of programs leading to the M.D. degree is determined solely by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). In cooperation with the Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools (CACMS), the LCME also accredits M.D. programs in Canada. To be accredited, programs must meet the national standards described in the document, Functions and Structure of a Medical School. For further information, refer to the Overview and Accreditation Procedures sections of the LCME site.

 

What health-related services is IUSM required to provide to medical students?

Health Services and Personal Counseling. Each school must have an effective system of personal counseling for its students that includes programs to promote the well-being of students and facilitate their adjustment to the physical and emotional demands of medical school. Medical students must have access to preventive and therapeutic health services. The health professionals who provide psychiatric/psychological counseling or other sensitive health services to medical students must have no involvement in the academic evaluation or promotion of students receiving those services. Health insurance must be available to all students and their dependents, and all students must have access to disability insurance..

For more information, see the Student Services section of LCME Accreditation Standards — Functions and Structures of a Medical School.

 

What types of health insurance are required by IUSM policy?

All students must obtain health insurance for inpatient and outpatient care. It has been IUSM policy for several years to require all students not covered by a parent or a spouse to be covered by a policy secured by the school. It is mandatory in order to meet the accreditation requirement.

While most students are healthy and can likely find a plan on their own that might be cheaper than the school plan, there are still many students who do not qualify for personal plan coverage due to ongoing illnesses and conditions. In order to be able to secure a group plan at a reasonable price that will cover all students, no matter what their health condition may be, we must provide the insurance company with a stable group of both healthy and health-challenged individuals.

The accreditation requirement is in place for several factors:

  1. The protection of your own health, safety and well being is paramount.
  2. It is important to have quality insurance that is portable while on school approved electives around the world.
  3. A serious ailment or injury may lead to financial disaster, especially for students who carry large financial aid debts. The school allows waivers for students covered by a parent or spouse plan since these plans are generally quality group plans made available through an employer.

 

Does IUSM formally communicate this policy to new students?

There was no formal contract signed by you regarding acceptance of the mandatory IUSM student health insurance policy. It is listed in the schoolhand book as part of the school’s requirements. Upon admission, students are given an outline of requirements, including notification to read and understand the IUSM student handbook.

This statement regarding policy issues is found in the Academic and Professional Standards section

Medical students are preparing for a career that demands the highest standards of honor, ethics, and professional behavior and appearance. It is expected that medical students will conduct themselves according to these standards. Any individual who enrolls in the Indiana University School of Medicine voluntarily places himself/herself under the rules and regulations of the University, the School, and affiliated hospitals, and agrees to abide by them. Therefore, students should familiarize themselves with the rules and regulations affecting them.

» Additional policy references

 

What if I have or can obtain other coverage?

All students are required to obtain health insurance for inpatient and outpatient care under a plan selected annually by the School. All medical students, except those currently covered under the health insurance policy of a parent or spouse, are automatically enrolled in the plan selected by the School. Waiving out of the School's health insurance plan requires submission of documentation showing coverage under the policy of the student's spouse or parent.

The School's health insurance provider for the 2007-2008 academic year is Aetna Student Health which is underwritten by Aetna Life Insurance Company. Information regarding the School's health insurance plan, as well as an online waiver form, is available in the Medical Science Building, room 159, and is also available from Aetna Student Health at (800) 239-9691, or on their website at http://www.aetnastudenthealth.com.

 

Is disability insurance available?

Third and Fourth Year Medical Students at The IU School of Medicine are covered under a Group Disability Policy.   » Details

In addition, information on optional individual disability insurance can be found at www.iudisability.com. Discounted rates have been arranged for all IU Medical Students, Residents and Fellows.

 

Who can I contact with questions?

John Keller – Student Health Insurance Coordinator
msinsure@iupui.edu – 317-274-2264

Dr. Herbert Cushing – Associate Dean, Medical Student Affairs
hcushing@iupui.edu - 317-274-1965