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Division of Educational Programs |
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INSURANCEAutomobile insurance is required for all vehicles operated in Illinois. For information on automobile insurance see Automobile section.
The United States does not have socialized medicine except for the elderly and those unable to pay for their medical care. It is absolutely essential that you have health insurance coverage while in the United States no matter how short your stay. Hospitals require evidence of financial responsibility, or a large deposit, before admission. Hospital costs are high. If you visit a physician's office and do not have health insurance you will be asked to settle your bill before you leave. If you have medical insurance in your home country you must be certain whether or not it will cover you in the United States. If so, document this in English. Argonne employees on paid appointments of six months or longer may enroll in one of the Argonne Medical Benefits Plans (including Dental), which can include family coverage. Medical benefits for pregnancy are the same as for an illness and begin the day the employee signs the proper enrollment card and elects family medical coverage. These plans include a Preferred Provider Plan (PPO) which allows you to fully choose your health care providers and a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) which provides total health care but limits the providers to those within your plan's group. More information on these plans is available from the Human Resources Department, Employee Benefits Section. Outlines of the plans are available under benefits on the Human Resources web site, www.hr.anl.gov . If you are covered by Argonne insurance, obtain the insurance forms from the Employee Benefits Section before you visit your physician or dentist. A third type of plan is available for those here for under six months who must also have medical coverage (example: participants in sponsored International Exchange activities). Inquire with the Department of Employment in Human Resources for information and an application for the short term employment insurance plan.
Even if you don't own the house where you are living it is a good idea to have insurance to cover the cost of replacing contents and personal belongings in case of fire, theft or flood. If you purchase your own house, you should consider the cost of replacing the building as well as the contents when determining your insurance needs. Many companies provide these services and it is best that you get recommendations from a co-worker and several quotes before choosing an insurance company. Reduced insurance rates may be offered, if you insure both your car and home with the same company.
Life insurance is available through the HR department for all employees who regularly work more than 20 hours a week and on paid appointments for 6 months or longer. Depending on your family situation you may wish to have life insurance or not. This is a personal decision
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