Work & Travel and Au Pair programs operating in the U.S. appear to have pending insurance issues to prepare for.
On December 10, 2008, the U.S. State Department published a proposed rule intending to revise regulations for those on the Exchange Visitor Program (J Visa). Shortly thereafter, the proposed regulations were withdrawn because of an administrative snafu regarding the clearance process but in a release to Alliance for International Educational & Cultural Exchange members, Executive Director Michael McCarry indicated “This appears to be an issue of process rather than substance, so we anticipate that the rule will appear again in substantially the same form.”
Included in these proposed regulations were revised insurance rules. Most were moderate but one regarding a high level of dental coverage ($10,000) caught people off guard. See http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-29213.pdf , page 12, § 62.14. John Fleming of Compass Benefits was asked of the potential impact to rates. He commented that “The impact would be severe. The average monthly premium for single coverage is $30 plus and these plans usually have a cap of $1,000 to $2,000. It is clear that the final regulations will need to be tempered.”
When the regulations are re-released, IASIS will advise affected WYSE members of the comment process.
Preventative Medicine – the Cornerstone of Wellness and Healthcare
A man walks into a Doctor’s office. He has a cucumber up his nose, a carrot in his left ear and a banana in his right ear.
