Au Pair Chatter

Is it risky to do winter sports without the sports insurance?

Yes. If you have to pay your own hospital bills for a broken bone, you might be shocked at how much that would cost. I checked this website for some cost estimates.

Here are a couple examples:

I wanted to make sure everyone understands how the medical coverage works for sports related injuries. There is a list of “high-risk sports/activities” that are not covered with the basic or upgrade medical insurance plans. Those activities are only covered with the Sports Insurance Package (also known as Option A.)

The Sports Insurance Package was available pre-departure and may also be purchased at any time during your year. It takes effect within 48 hours of your enrollment and it is good for the remainder of the year. The cost will be the same ($60) whether you have a month left or your whole year ahead of you. I recommend you pay for it early on, if you didn’t already purchase it. You never know when an opportunity might present itself and you don’t want to miss out on an adventure. You also don’t want to take a risk on getting injured and being responsible for the bill on your own.

Below is a partial list of sports that are only covered with the sports insurance package:
Football, Rugby, Scuba diving, Ski-doo,  Wakeboarding, Skydiving, Parachuting, Rock climbing, Zip line, Skate boarding, Rollerblading, Roller skating, Ice Skating, Skiing, Snowboarding, Snowmobiles & Snowshoeing.  View the full list on page 3 of the insurance brochure HERE.
Note: Injuries sustained while partaking in these sports are covered with purchase of the Sports Insurance ONLY.

How to register for the Sports Insurance
Download the form HERE and follow the instructions.

In a true emergency, seek medical attention as soon as possible at the hospital emergency room. I have local hospitals listed on the Cluster Google Map, it would be a good idea to familiarize yourself with where they are, in case you should ever need to know.

What I am talking about here are medical problems where you would like to be seen the same day, but you do not feel that it is an emergency. If you go to the emergency room for something that is not an emergency (like for a sore throat or pink eye), they will see you and treat you, but will not admit you to the hospital. In a case like that, there is an additional charge by the insurance company. The emergency room is not to be used as your regular doctor.

Here is the link to the medical insurance information and claim forms: APIA Medical
You may go to any doctor or clinic you choose, but you will normally need to pay up front and submit a claim form to be reimbursed, if you meet your deductible ($0, $50 or $100 depending on your insurance plan.)

Urgent Care Clinics

These clinics all participate with our medical insurance as of 1/26/2011. This is subject to change, so verify when you make your appointment by telling them you have insurance through First Health Network/Hygeia.

Bowie Health Center
15001 Health Center Drive, Bowie, MD 20716
301-262-5511

Briggs Chaney Clinic - http://www.briggschaneyclinic.com/
13823 Outlet Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20904
301-890-8000

Righttime Care Centers – http://www.myrighttime.com/ – 1-888-808-6483
(formerly Nighttime Pediatrics & Adult Care)
Open 11am-Midnight daily. Appointments not required, but strongly encouraged (to reduce your wait time.)
Locations: Annapolis, Columbia, Gambrills, Pasadena and Rockville

Patient First – www.patientfirst.com
Open 8 am-10 pm daily. No appointment necessary.
Laurel, 301-497-1820
Waldorf, 240-427-1926

CVS Minute Clinic – www.minuteclinic.com
Open daily – Hours vary by location. No appointment necessary.
Locations including: Annapolis, Bethesda, Crofton, Ft. Washington, Laurel, Rockville, Upper Marlboro & Wheaton
For less complicated illnesses including: Allergies, Bladder Infections, Colds, Ear Infections, Pink Eye & Styes, Sinus Infections, Strep Throat, Swimmer’s Ear, Athlete’s Foot, Cold Sores, and Vaccinations.
Visit their website for a complete list of locations, conditions they will treat and the costs.

Secure Medical Care – http://securemedicalcare.com/
10452 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD
(Route 1, 1/2 mile north of IKEA)
(301) 441-3355
Monday-Friday 8am-8pm,
Weekends & Holidays 10am-6pm

Not listed on the insurance website, but I am including because it may be the closest option for some au pairs.

Quality First Healthcare -www.qualityfirsthealth.com
10905 Ft. Washington Road, Suite 105, Ft. Washington, MD 20744
301-292-9290
Visit their website for hours and more information.

I just updated the information on Places to go for Urgent Medical Care and added a new clinic.

I periodically review links and information on my blog for accuracy and make updates as needed.  If you ever find a broken link or information that needs to be updated, please let me know.  Thanks.

Many au pairs and host families are looking for places to get flu shots this time of year.  Au Pair insurance does not cover immunizations, but there are lots of places to get flu shots for $30 or less.  If the host family is insisting that an au pair get a seasonal flu shot and she agrees to get it, the host family would be responsible for the expense.

Remember – The seasonal flu shot will not protect you from the H1N1 (swine flu.)  If you are planning to get the seasonal flu vaccine, it is recommended that you get it as early as possible.

H1N1 vaccine availability is still limited, please check the Maryland Page on flu.gov for the most current information.

Flu Shot Locator – Enter your zip code and find local flu shot clinics.

Anne Arundel County Health Department – $20 donation requested

Adventist Hospital – $25

Calvert County Health Department – To be announced

Giant Pharmacy – $30 (may be $20 with your Bonus Card)

CVS Pharmacy & Minute Clinic – $30

Walgreens Pharmacy – $25

Rite Aid Pharmacy – $30

Target Pharmacy & Target Clinic – They could not tell me the price yet.