Changes in Ball State's health care plan will allow for coverage of nondiagnostic lab services and childbirth services offered by certified nurse midwives.

Ball State's Board of Trustees recently approved coverage for nondiagnostic laboratory services requested by a physician or other authorized health care providers equal to coverage for diagnostic lab services by the university's health plan.

The trustees also approved coverage for childbirth services provided by certified nurse midwives in state-licensed birthing centers.

The changes in coverage begin immediately.

"These are changes that are in the best interest of the university community," said William McCune, Ball State controller. "In the case of coverage of the nondiagnostic lab services, we believe that it is imperative for employees to be proactive, which leads to better health and lower costs."

Previously, nondiagnostic laboratory services, including those services ordered by a physician as part of an overall physical examination, were not covered unless specifically stated in the plan. Diagnostic laboratory services were covered under Ball State's health care plan. 

McCune said coverage of nondiagnostic lab services is due to Ball State's implementation of a health enhancement program — slated to begin in 2007 — to reduce the cost of health care by maintaining and improving the wellness of employees, retirees and spouses.

Participants will be required to take a health risk assessment, which will include requests for information regarding results of routine tests provided by nondiagnostic lab services. This will allow participants to learn what their risks are and take specific actions to control and/or reduce those risks. Examples of nondiagnostic lab services include tests for thyroid, cholesterol and blood sugar.

Previously, certified nurse midwives were recognized as providers in all university health care plans with the provision that birthing and delivery services were covered only when performed in a hospital setting.

The University Senate recommended changes in coverage after the state of Indiana began licensing freestanding birthing centers for midwife services. Centers have been licensed in Indianapolis and Muncie. Midwife services generally cost less than those performed by physicians and many expectant parents prefer to use midwives for childbirth, McCune said.

"Most other health plans in the state cover births performed in these centers," he said. "According to information provided by the center in Muncie, patients are carefully screened so that only low-risk patients are accepted, and they must remain low risk throughout pregnancy. Should complications arise, Ball Memorial Hospital is only a few minutes away."

For more information on these issues, contact Ball State's Office of Payroll and Employee Benefits at (765) 285-8461.