SB 2178

Abstract

Amends the School Code. Provides that a public school district maintaining grades kindergarten through 8 may (instead of the school board of any school district may, in its discretion) provide medical or hospital service or both through accident and health insurance or through non-profit hospital service corporations or medical service plan corporations or both for pupils of the district in grades kindergarten through 8 (instead of for all pupils of the district) injured while participating in an athletic activity. Provides that a public school district maintaining grades 9 through 12 shall provide catastrophic accident insurance coverage, with specified benefit limits, for eligible students in grades 9 through 12 who sustain an accidental injury while participating in school-sponsored or school-supervised interscholastic athletic events sanctioned by the Illinois High School Association ("IHSA") that results in medical expenses in excess of $50,000. Sets forth similar provisions for non-public schools for school-sponsored or school-supervised interscholastic athletic tournaments sanctioned by the IHSA. Provides that the IHSA has the exclusive authority to promulgate a plan of coverage necessary to ensure compliance with these provisions. Requires the IHSA to provide a group policy. Allows public school districts and non-public schools to purchase the coverage necessary by participating in the group policy, obtain the coverage necessary from other coverage providers, or, in the case of the Chicago school district, provide the catastrophic accident insurance coverage through a program of self-insurance. Sets forth provisions concerning the charges for procedures, treatments, services, or prescription pharmaceuticals covered. Effective July 1, 2013.