March 27, 2008
Dear County and District Superintendents and Charter and State Special School Administrators:
ATHLETIC TEAM INSURANCE
The California Department of Education strongly supports student participation in athletic activities. Some students may be unable to participate in these activities because they are unable to afford health insurance. This letter is seeking your assistance in informing families about the low-cost resources available to them.
California Education Code Section 32221.5(b) requires:
The statement described in subdivision (a) shall also be incorporated into any other letters or printed materials, in boldface type of prominent size, that contain the name or logo, or both, of the school district and are sent to members of school athletic teams to inform them of the provisions of this article, or any other applicable provision of state law, regarding the provision of insurance protection.
Under state law, school districts are required to ensure that all members of school athletic teams have accidental injury insurance that covers medical and hospital expenses. This insurance requirement can be met by the school district offering insurance or other health benefits that cover medical and hospital expenses.
Some pupils may qualify to enroll in no-cost or low-cost local, state, or federally sponsored health insurance programs. Information about these programs may be obtained by calling the Healthy Families and Medical Programs Information Line by phone at 1-800-880-5305.
Existing law requires local educational agencies (LEAs) to provide insurance protection to members of athletic teams for expenses resulting from accidental bodily injuries. The law also requires LEAs to pay for the costs of that insurance. Assembly Bill 2684 (Chapter 108, Statutes of 2006) requires LEAs operating interscholastic teams to inform parents that students participating in sports activities must have proof of health insurance. This bill informs parents of the availability of low or no cost government
supported health insurance programs such as Medi-Cal, Healthy Families, or in some counties the Healthy Kids programs.
If you have any questions regarding this subject, please contact
Marcela Obregon-Enriquez, Administrator, Curriculum Leadership Unit, by phone at 916-445-4904 or by e-mail at mobregon@cde.ca.gov.
Sincerely,
JACK O'CONNELL
JO:me
1430 N Street
Sacramento, CA 95814