The same health care coverage described under health insurance is available to Houseofficers, their spouses and dependents for up to 18 months after termination, if the insured has no other health care coverage (i.e., COBRA must be the only health care coverage you have). The entire premium must be paid by the policyholder each month for desired coverage. Dependents removed from a Houseofficer’s policy (e.g., by divorce) may elect to obtain COBRA coverage for up to 36 months. It is the Houseofficer’s responsibility to notify any such dropped dependents of the availability of COBRA coverage.
Houseofficers and their dependents are eligible for dental coverage through Delta Dental. Premiums are paid by the individual through payroll deduction. You may enroll in the Graduate Medical Education Office within 30 days of hire date or during open enrollment in July each year. Should you decide to terminate your dental coverage, there will be a two-year waiting period before re-enrollment will be allowed.
In accord with Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) requirements to provide access to coverage for disabilities resulting from activities that are part of their educational program, UNM provides Long Term Disability insurance coverage. Premiums are paid by the Office of GME. Insurance is provided to the Houseofficer through The Guardian Life Insurance Company. The Houseofficer must be disabled for 90 days before coverage may begin. If requirements are met, the policy pays 60% of the monthly salary until age 65, up to the policy maximum. The policy may be converted to an individual policy (see insurance contract for specific information). Contact the carrier office several months prior to leaving the program to arrange a conversion.
All Houseofficers, their spouses, qualifying domestic partners, and dependent children are offered health care coverage through a group policy. For additional information on how a domestic partner qualifies, contact GME. Terminating Houseofficers and dependents removed from a Houseofficer’s policy may elect continuation of health care coverage through COBRA (see COBRA section). Enrollment in the health insurance plan requires a monthly payment by the Houseofficer for single or family coverage. This portion of the premium will be made through an authorized payroll deduction. Identification cards are issued to the policy holder. Should you need to use coverage before your cards arrive, you may use your Social Security number as your certificate number and 00001232000 as the group number. Additions to the policy (spouses, domestic partners, and children) must be reported on the proper forms within 30 days of marriage, birth, adoption or qualifying change in status. If delayed past 30 days, the carrier may elect not to add coverage until the next open enrollment (June 15 - July 15). Family members of a Resident Physician cannot be covered under more than one Houseofficer Health policy.
The plan must be used as described in the certificate booklet or Houseofficers will be responsible for additional charges. Houseofficers are requested to choose a designated primary care provider and referrals from the PCP are required for specialists. All incurred health care expenses not covered by insurance will be the responsibility of the Houseofficer. Additional information is available in your certificate of coverage booklet. Extra copies of the booklet are available in GME.
To protect Houseofficers against the special risks to which they may be exposed in fulfilling their patient care duties (including provision of medical care during air transport) the University provides group Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment coverage. Premiums are paid by the Office of GME. Life insurance in the amount of $75,000 is covered by ING. There is a double indemnity accidental death and dismemberment clause. Enrollment forms must be completed with a beneficiary named. Additional coverage is available at competitive rates directly from ING. Please contact the Office of GME for the forms.
Pre-Tax Insurance Premium Plan is available to all Houseofficers. This allows your health and benefit coverage to be deducted from your gross salary before computing taxes. Participation in the plan is automatic. If the Houseofficer does not wish to participate they must decline within 30 days of the employment date. Those who wish to make changes after that date can do so during open enrollment.
Professional Liability of the Houseofficer is regulated by the State of New Mexico for the period of training. Professional Liability Insurance of the “per occurrence” & “tail coverage” type will be provided for the Houseofficer in accordance with that policy.
No liability insurance is provided for professional activities outside the training program unless such activity is negotiated with UNM HSC SOM Locum Tenens Program.
Vision coverage for Houseofficers and their dependents is provided by Vision Service Plan. Enrollment must be within thirty days or hire date or during open enrollment. Additional information can be obtained through the GME Office or through their website at VSP.com
Treatment of occupational injuries is covered under Worker’s Compensation Insurance. Injuries must be documented within two weeks through the submission of a Worker’s Compensation Form and incident report to Risk Management. Forms are available on the UNM website. Residents working outside of the institution may also call the UNM Worker’s Compensation Office at 277-9790.
