Specific medical questions we hear from
50+ candidates.
Is the medical evaluation process during application different
for older candidates?
The medical evaluation process is the same regardless of an applicant’s
age. Because of the nature of countries where Peace Corps serves and
the scope of the medical services available in those countries, all applicants
undergo a comprehensive medical and dental assessment based on their
health history and examinations to determine if they are medically qualified
to serve in the Peace Corps. Each applicant is assessed individually
to determine if Peace Corps’ medical eligibility standards are
met. The Peace Corps Office of Medical Services screening unit works
with an applicant to ensure that pre-existing conditions are considered
and that a Peace Corps country is capable of providing the necessary
services and support to accommodate a condition.
The medical assessment process may take more time for applicants with
involved health histories. This assessment usually requires more communication
between the applicant and the Office of Medical Services and often involves
the need for additional information and medical tests. While the Peace
Corps reimburses applicants a set amount for certain dental and medical
examinations, costs incurred above that are not covered by the Peace
Corps, and you will likely have to pay for these additional medical costs
while trying to get a medical evaluation.
Resources in terms of an applicant’s time and finances are not
insignificant. The Peace Corps provides a list
of medical conditions that typically cannot be accommodated.
Will the Peace Corps office in the country I serve
be aware of my medical records and needs?
Yes. Your medical records are provided to the Peace Corps medical officer
prior to your arrival in-country. Peace Corps takes very seriously the
confi dentiality of medical records, and they are protected by the Privacy
Act. On occasion, some limited information may be given to a non-medical
Peace Corps staff member (e.g., the country director) who has a specifi
cneed to protect the safety, health, and security of Volunteers. Staff
also
has an obligation to protect confi dentiality.
Will my medical expenses be covered while I am serving
as a Volunteer?
The Peace Corps provides a comprehensive health program beginning at
the start of Peace Corps service and continuing until you end service.
This coverage includes health education and instruction, treatment for
injuries/medical conditions, prescriptions, immunizations, and dental
care. These services are delivered by the Peace Corps medical offi cer
at post and/or other approved providers in-country.
What about after Peace Corps service is over?
After service, returned Volunteers are eligible for 18 months of coverage
by a private health insurance called CorpsCare®.
Peace Corps pays the first month’s premium and you have the option
to purchase this comprehensive health insurance policy to cover you and
qualifi ed dependents. If you have service-related conditions that need
an evaluation, your medical officer or the Office of Medical Services
at headquarters will provide an authorization for this evaluation. If
an illness or injury was related to your activities as a Volunteer, you
may be eligible for benefi ts under the Federal
Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) through the Department of
Labor.
What if I become ill while overseas?
Necessary immunizations, anti-malaria medication (if appropriate), and
health precaution instruction are provided at initial training by the
Peace Corps medical officer. The Peace Corps medical officer in-country
will assist you in protecting and maintaining your health, and provide
primary care as needed.
If a medical condition should arise that requires a level of care not
available in the country of assignment, medical evacuation to another
country or to the United States will be arranged through the Peace Corps
Volunteer health system.
Should I maintain my health insurance during Peace Corps
service?
Some private sector retirees may experience difficulty reapplying for
health insurance upon completion of service. For this reason, private
sector retirees may wish to contact their insurance company to determine
the options available and/or consider maintaining their existing health
insurance during service.
Federal retirees may suspend federal employee health benefits during
Peace Corps service. However, you will need to talk with your retirement
office to ensure that the suspension is done in a way that permits re-enrollment.
The Peace Corps provides Volunteers with full healthcare coverage during
service, so check with your Medicare office to find out whether Medicare
payments will continue to be deducted from your Social Security payment
while you serve. You can cancel Medicare Part B (so you don’t have
to pay the monthly premiums
during your service) and re-enroll without penalty when
you return to the U.S., as long as you submit the re-enrollment form
prior to your close of service. This form can also be used to file for CorpsCare® or
other private insurance. While serving as a Volunteer, Medicare defines
you as “employed” for its purposes,
which waives penalties for late filing. |