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Covering PSIP for PhD Students on Medical or Family Leave

The following procedures apply to PSIP coverage for PhD students on medical or family leave as outlined by the PhD Student Leave of Absence Policy effective July 2022.

For questions, contact provost-ed@upenn.edu

For PhD Students on Medical Leave
  1. Student requests medical leave and indicates if PSIP funding should continue, following the procedures outlined here.  
  2. Student requests healthcare provider to submit medical documentation to Penn Wellness at wel-shsinsur@pobox.upenn.edu.
  3. Penn Wellness confirms with Associate Vice Provost for Graduate Education at provost-ed@upenn.edu that sufficient documentation has been provided.
  4. Associate Vice Provost for Graduate Education confirms with School and Graduate Group that student is approved for medical leave.
  5. School confirms in writing with student that leave is approved and provides any conditions for return.
  6. School notifies Associate Vice Provost for Graduate Education at provost-ed@upenn.edu that student is funded and will remain on PSIP, along with the beginning date of leave.
  7. Associate Vice Provost for Graduate Education alerts Penn Wellness that student on leave will remain on PSIP.
    1. Penn Wellness charges PSIP to the student’s account and School will pay.
    2. Students who will be on leave in July-August will need to contact Penn Wellness at wel-shsinsur@pobox.upenn.edu to sign up for the new plan year before the August 31 deadline.
  8. Student may continue to pay for their own dependents on PSIP. Student must contact Penn Wellness at wel-shsinsur@pobox.upenn.edu if they wish to enroll dependents while on leave.
  9. Student may apply to School for second semester extension of PSIP coverage. If approved, repeat steps 6-8.
For PhD Students on Family Leave
  1. Student requests family leave and indicates if PSIP funding should continue, following the procedures outlined here.
  2. Director of Family Center confirms with School and Graduate Group that student will take family leave and the dates, and requests that School confirm that student is funded for PSIP.
  3. Director of Family Center notifies Associate Vice Provost for Graduate Education at provost-ed@upenn.edu that student is taking Family Leave, is funded and will remain on PSIP.
  4. Associate Vice Provost for Graduate Education alerts Penn Wellness that student on leave will remain on PSIP.
    1. Penn Wellness charges PSIP to the student’s account and School will pay. Provost’s Office will journal transfer the cost to the School.
    2. Students who will be on leave in July-August will need to contact Penn Wellness at wel-shsinsur@pobox.upenn.edu to sign up for the new plan year before the August 31 deadline.
  5. Student may continue to pay for their own dependents on PSIP. Student must contact Penn Wellness at wel-shsinsur@pobox.upenn.edu if they wish to enroll dependents while on leave.
  6. Student may apply to School for second semester extension of PSIP coverage. If approved, School must notify Associate Vice Provost for Graduate Education at provost-ed@upenn.edu. Repeat steps 4-6.