Question on Medical and Dental Insurance

kiann1212

10-Year Member
5-Year Member
Joined
Jan 24, 2009
Messages
41
Are plebes/midshipmen still covered under their parents medical and dental insurance plans while attending USNA?
 
Once they are sworn, they are under the care of the military. Even medical and/or dental services performed while their on on leave (even if paid for by the cadet or parents) must be reported to the academy and placed in their medical file, to ensure their readiness for duty.

However, most people recommend that a new plebe/swab be kept on the parent's insurance for at least the summer, just in case of a severe injury or illness that may result in their disenrollment from the academy.

In such cases, the former cadet/midshipman may have trouble finding coverage for the condition or injury.
 
Actually USNA asks that parents retain medical insurance on their Mids at least to signing their 2/7 papers. The registrars office will provide the necessary documentation to give to your health insurance showing that they are a full time student carrying x number of credits and expected graduation date.

The reason is if they are hurt and separated from the Academy Tricare will not cover as Tricare ends with separation. Again at that point it would be difficult to find insurance.
 
Again at that point it would be difficult to find insurance.

Most likely it would not. Federal law has changed over the past few years as HIPAA has been amended.
If one leave the academy and is a full time student they could go back on their parents plan as a "life changing event", if a parent had group coverage that would allow for it.
They also would be eligible for private insurance without a waiting period or pre-existing conditions since they would have had "credible coverage". The key is to not wait too long to get the insurance.
If there were injuries that occur while at the academy, it is my understanding that they would be covered after separation - I am not sure if that would be through Tricare, a military hospital or the VA.

Certainly, a SA student can normally be kept on the parent's insurance and this might be prudent (if to just simply avoid the potential hassle of covering them again) if there is no additional cost to the parent.
 
If they are not enrolled as a fulltime student at the time of trying to be reinstated most parents insurance will not pick them up even under life changing event. For those still on the insurance they would allow in life changing event to remain covered under the policy (we asked these questions when when debating on keeping him on ours or removing him) My felling is even though I am paying more to keep a family plan, it is our insurance that should something happen he would have medical insurance.
 
If they are not enrolled as a fulltime student at the time of trying to be reinstated most parents insurance will not pick them up even under life changing event.
Correct - they can still pick up private insurance or a short term policy until they are enrolled as a full time student again.

For those still on the insurance they would allow in life changing event to remain covered under the policy
This depends on the coverage. My group coverage will only allow children over the age of 19 to be covered if they are full time students. My cadet is still on my policy - doesn't cost me more - but she is 20. If she separates she would lose her insurance on my policy until she becomes enrolled again as a full time student.

Parents should read the policy carefully and consult with their HR administrator if necessary.
 
Finding insurance with a serious injury or illness is not easy nor readily available. I fall into that category and when husband was looking at changing jobs it became very apparent that most insurance has a one year ineligibility or is so expensive you can not afford it. Just speaking from experience.
 
Are plebes/midshipmen still covered under their parents medical and dental insurance plans while attending USNA?

Funny you should ask. I called USNA and spoke with the regional rep. re: this very question. The plebes CAN be covered. I'll be saving hundreds by deferring private coverage. I suppose it could be considered MY stimulas package...as if USNA wasn't enough! Pinch me! I'm soon to be an empty nester, emancipated parent.

Even if wisdom teeth need to come out, the USNA will handle it. When your son/dtr come home for leave, they will be covered, although they may need to be seen by the military docs/providers, depending upon your location.
 
Back
Top