Non-Emergency Care for UIGRADCare
If you are away from the immediate Iowa City area, but still in the State of Iowa, contact the nearest community medical clinic affiliated with the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. There is no coverage for non-emergency services away from the University of Iowa provider network unless prior approved. Care received outside the State of Iowa must be emergency care in order to be covered for individuals temporarily living away from the area less than 90 days.

If approval is needed for non-emergency care away from the UI provider network, call the UI Health Plans office at 319-356-8442 or 1-800-356-8442.

UIGRADCare members living away from the Iowa City area (while on leave or attending school) must notify the University of Iowa Benefits office, 319-335-2676 or 877-830-4001, at the beginning of the residency. Prior approval is necessary for admission to a hospital for non-emergency reasons. Call Wellmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield at 800-558-4409.

When possible you should see a Blue Cross and Blue Shield participating provider when living away from the Iowa City area. All participating providers and hospitals are paid directly and you will only be responsible for the out-of-pocket expenses, such as, non-covered services, deductibles, co-payments, and/or coinsurance. To find names and addresses of participating providers and hospitals, visit the BlueCard Doctors and Hospital Finder and enter your prefix XQI to ensure you find participating providers.

An individual's UI primary care provider must provide for routine health care, such as, annual physical examinations. However, scheduled "newborn" or "well-child" care, such as immunizations, will be covered regardless of where the services are provided.

For more information contact the UI Health Plans Office at 319-356-8442 or 800-356-8442 or email uihealthplans@uiowa.edu.