I had a tumor in my thyroid when I got back from Costa Rica in 1998. The PC folks got me in the right direction, but the real problem was the DOL. They are truly inept. It took nearly two years to get them to pay the bills. Nicola's info is right on. As RPCVs, we have to acknowledge that there truly is a certain amount of mutual responsibility. Sara's story highlights all the crap an individual goes through when they are not up on the paperwork and organized.

As a suggestion, rather than Corpscare or other private insurance, why doesn't the Peace Corps advocate for a 90 day automatic coverage via Medicaid. Minus dentists, almost all doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies accept it. There are no long term hassles and if the RPCV has on-going issues, then the coverage can be continued. It makes so much more sense than the DOL. The entire medical claims division of the DOL should be closed, re-structured, and designed to serve customers not the red tape they are spinning.