Midshipmen Health Services

The Academy’s Health Services staff includes medical and dental officers, a psychiatrist, a physician’s assistant, nurse and other health care team members. The campus has the well-equipped Patten out-patient clinic. Midshipmen are seen for medical and dental care on an appointment basis with emergency cases seen at any time. Additionally, the Academy has a contract with a nearby university hospital to provide care outside the scope of the on-campus clinic, and for after-hours emergency care. Consent forms and authorization for medical services are provided to and required from all students.

Midshipmen qualify for benefits under the Federal Employee Compensation Act in the event of illness or injury in the line of official duty. Medical care continues while aboard ship during sea training either under the Federal Employees Compensation Act and/or under the shipping company’s protection and indemnity
coverages.

The Academy has a comprehensive health service program in order to ensure proper personal protection against illness and injury in instances where the Federal Employee Compensation Act, the shipping company, and other limited coverages provided by the government do not apply. As an integral part of this comprehensive program, the Academy has initiated an “excess” medical care plan. Some types of medical care, however, are not provided under any of the health delivery systems discussed above.

It is important to note that while Academy medical care is extensive, a midshipman is not entitled to unlimited medical care at government expense. The midshipman and midshipman’s family are advised to maintain any existing health care insurance plan already in force. The use of private insurance may be necessary in some instances.