HB 1173 Summary

• Creates new Chapter 8 in IC 20-34-8 requiring high schools to maintain catastrophic coverage for student athlete injuries exceeding $50,000 in medical expenses during school-sanctioned interscholastic athletic events.

• Establishes catastrophic coverage with aggregate benefit limits of either 5 years or $3,000,000, whichever occurs first, to apply in excess of any other existing insurance coverage.

• Requires the Department of Education to establish coverage specifications and offer a group insurance policy to qualifying high schools, with schools able to opt for alternative coverage if submitted at least 60 days before coverage begins.

• Allows public schools in cities with more than 500,000 inhabitants to submit certificates of self-insurance instead of purchasing group policies.

• Permits elementary schools to purchase accident and sickness insurance or health maintenance organization coverage for students injured during school-sponsored athletic activities, with costs paid primarily from athletic activity revenues.

• Effective July 1, 2014.