• MIP stands for Medical Insurance Plan. Current and retired staff members and their dependents can enroll and become covered under the MIP.
• The MIP plan year is January 1 to December 31 for all participants.
• All active staff have automatic default enrollment in Option B from their commencement of service, this can be changed within 31 days.
• You can change MIP Options (e.g., switching between Option A, B and C) during the “MIP Change Season” which is currently each December for effect the following year on January 1.
• The Aetna MIP offers three different plans - Option A/Option B/Option C. The terms mean different levels of benefit coverage available to staff, with different contributions and different deductibles.
• The MIP Option A is a high premium and low deductible option. Option B is low premium and high deductible option. Option C is Point of Service option where you must select and go through a Primary Care Physician for medical needs; the PCP must refer you to any required specialist.
• Selection of a preferred Option depends on various factors like your medical condition, premium you are willing to pay, and whether you want to be able to choose your own medical providers or go through a Primary Care Physician.
• The MIP covers treatment of emergency medical conditions in a hospital emergency room; if you visit a hospital emergency room for a non-emergency condition, the MIP will pay a reduced benefit.
• Be aware that MIP coverage includes visits to an acupuncturist or chiropractor, rental of some durable medical equipment, splints, crutches, braces and other medical supplies, one audiometric exam per year, one eye exam per year, one mammogram per year, etc. Also, you can also avail of two dental cleanings per year.

For more detailed information refer to the “Certificate Booklet,” available from the World Bank Benefits Department.

Compiled by the Mosaic Team

Medical Emergency Responses in the Bank and at Home

The Health Services Department (HSD) is pleased to announce that, starting on January 12, 2009, after-hours calls on health issues to the Bank’s emergency line (458-8888) will be directed to a dedicated service provided by International SOS (ISOS). ISOS is the medical assistance company in charge of managing Bank Group and IMF medical evacuations. This company employs hundreds of nurses and doctors worldwide, speaking many languages. HSD will continue to assist staff during the normal business day and will be updated, as needed, on weekends and after hours by ISOS.

Know how the local healthcare system works

If you are Washington-based and enrolled in the Medical Insurance Plan (MIP) and are unfamiliar with the delivery of healthcare in the United States, we recommend the course “Understanding and Using Your Health Benefits,” a joint presentation by HSD and the MIP. This course offers guidance on using the MIP effectively. It also describes the services available for staff and families within the Health Services Department. This course is offered 6 times a year, usually to new staff, but all MIP members are welcome to attend. Please register by sending an e-mail to: dbrown2@worldbank.org.

Select a primary care doctor

Establishing a relationship with a primary care doctor should be one of your first actions when arriving in a new place. A primary care doctor will become familiar with your particular medical needs and will be able to advise you on the best way to handle urgent medical concerns when his/her office is closed.

Prepare a family emergency plan

This plan should take into consideration medical emergencies as well other potential sources of emergency.

From the WB Kiosk/HSD