Medical, Dental, Hospitalization, and Pharmacy Coverage
Complete information on medical and dental coverage for resident and fellow physicians and their dependents is available on the University of Iowa Human Resources website.
The University of Iowa reserves the right to change the benefits programs at any time. As with all benefits programs, the University of Iowa is unable to guarantee that the details listed and coverages of these benefits programs will be in effect throughout your employment.
Coverage Start Dates
Wellmark BlueCross/BlueShield and Delta Dental insurance plans begin on the first of the month after the initial GME contract start date. For example, residents who begin training on 06/24 have insurance that becomes effective 07/01. Residents and fellows who begin training on 07/01 will have an insurance effective date as of 08/01.
GAP Coverage
During the gap period (time between contract start date and the first of the month of the following month after contact start date), medically necessary healthcare expenses will be paid on behalf of the employee and his/her legal dependents by the University of Iowa. You will still be expected to pay any co-insurance, co-pays, etc. during this time, the same as you would under your health insurance plan.
GME follows Wellmark payment guidelines so some products and services may be subject to a co-pay, coinsurance or could be denied. The gap coverage at University of Iowa Health Care (UI Health Care) consists of manual adjustments to each patient’s account.
This process is very time consuming so it is very likely you will receive multiple statements from UI Health Care while the claims are being adjusted. The payment process can typically take 1-5 months. You must submit all gap invoices to the GME Office to ensure your account is adjusted appropriately. This coverage is not health insurance and does not meet the health insurance requirement in the Affordable Care Act (ACA). However, the ACA does allow for short continuous insurance coverage gaps under certain circumstances.
If you are unsure about whether you should purchase COBRA from your current employer or if you should continue paying premiums for private insurance in order to maintain continuous coverage, please consult with a certified public account and/or a lawyer as each person’s circumstances are unique and the GME Office staff cannot provide legal, financial or tax advice. There is no enrollment for the gap period coverage.
If healthcare is medically necessary during the gap period, you will need to submit the following to the GME Office at gmeoffice@uiowa.edu or send to the GME Office, C-123 GH.
1. Bill(s) / invoice(s) for services provided
2. A completed “Gap Coverage Form for Residents & Fellows”
Life, Disability, and Malpractice Coverage
All house staff members are provided a long-term group disability income insurance program by the University of Iowa at no cost.
Enrollment in this insurance plan is mandatory and is funded by the University.
The University of Iowa provides life insurance coverage for all employees at no cost. Participation in the University’s group term life insurance program is a condition of employment for employees who hold a 50% time or greater appointment; coverage is required. All house staff members have a multiple of 2 times his/her budgeted stipend for the Group Life coverage. House staff are eligible to enroll in the following life insurance benefits options:
- Supplemental Life Insurance
- Spouse and Dependent Life Insurance
- Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
Complete information on non medical coverage for house staff is available on the University of Iowa Human Resources website.
The University of Iowa reserves the right to change the benefits programs at any time. As with all benefits programs, the University of Iowa is unable to guarantee that the details listed and coverages of these benefits programs will be in effect throughout your employment.
UI Health Care provide house staff with liability protection at no cost. The plan is the equivalent of an occurrence malpractice policy. The State Tort Claims Act provides the house staff member with liability protection, without dollar limits, for clinical services rendered in Iowa within the scope of the training program.