8 April 2002

NSCC ACTION LETTER 04-02

2. Background:. As we enter into our highest activity period, it is imperative that all of our enrolled members, plus the parents/guardians of our current and newly enrolled Cadets be advised and/or reminded of our medical insurance coverage.

Our policy covers accidental injury only. It does not cover illness. When considering claims for payment as an accident, the cause of the condition must meet both of the following criteria:

1. Sudden, unexpected occurrence
2. Injury resulting solely from and external force.

After a $50.00 deductible is satisfied by the member or by his/her parent/guardian, our insurance plan provides benefits of 100% of the Usual and Customary Charges incurred, not to exceed a total maximum benefit of $5,000 for any covered accident per member.

3. Our accident policy is the primary coverage up to maximum coverage of $5,000 and and expenses above this amount are the responsibility of the individuals or parents/guardians private health insurance under secondary coverage. Should the individual member not have private health coverage, all expenses over and above $5,000 are the financial responsibility of the individual or their parent/guardian.

4. Because of the escalating rise in medical costs diligence should be exercised in obtaining medical assistance. Our maximum $5,000 limit does not provide much coverage under today's medical costs. Some useful information to keep in mind is:

1. Military medical facilities will only treat NSCC personnel if it is a life-threatening condition. Unless the injury is life threatening, NSCC personnel are always to be transported to civilian medical facilities. (Only exceptions are military personnel and their dependents.)
2. Accidents that happen to NSCC personnel in their local area, i.e. unit drilling site, should not require EMT/ambulance transport unless there is a loss of consciousness, bleeding, or broken bones. A responsible family member should be immediately contacted, advised of the injury and requested to come pick up the injured and taken to their family physician, HMO, etc. for treatment. They should be provided with our insurance company's name and policy number and they should instruct their medical provider that our policy is the primary insurer. Any private insurance policy available for the injured NSCC personnel would be the secondary provided for accidental injuries.

5. It is imperative that all NSCC personnel and their parent/guardian know our policy does not cover medical treatment of illness. It is strongly recommended that parents provide their cadet with information on the medical policy the family owns; and if possible provide the cadet with an insurance card or at the very least, the policy number the cadet is covered under so he/she may pass this information to hospitals if emergency care is required.

6. All Commanding Officer, Training Officers, Administration Officers must discuss this insurance coverage with all adults enrolled in the program, as well as the parents/guardians of all of our Cadets. It is imperative that all members and their family know and understand our insurance plan does nor cover illness and has a maximum limit of $5,000.

7. Cancellation. Wide dissemination of the information letter is requested. The action letter is canceled for record purpose 1 August 2002.

M. D. FORD

Distribution:
NSCC/NLCC Unit Commanding Officers
NSCC COTC's
NSCC Regional/Associate Regional Officers
NSCC Headquarters Representatives

Copy to:
NSCC National Chairman
NSCC National President