AmeriCorps VISTA 

Health Benefits Overview
April 2021 PAGE | i

Table of Contents

Overview ......................................................................................................................................................... 1

AmeriCorps VISTA Healthcare Allowance........................................................................................................ 2

AmeriCorps VISTA Health Benefit Plan............................................................................................................ 4

Access to Telehealth........................................................................................................................................ 5

Administration of the AmeriCorps Health Benefit Program............................................................................ 5

How to Get Qualifying Healthcare Coverage................................................................................................... 5

Definitions....................................................................................................................................................... 6

Health Coverage Options FAQs....................................................................................................................... 7

Things that May Affect My Health Benefits..................................................................................................... 9

AmeriCorps VISTA Healthcare Allowance FAQs............................................................................................. 10

AmeriCorps VISTA Sponsor Support FAQs..................................................................................................... 14

Miscellaneous FAQs ...................................................................................................................................... 15
April 2021 PAGE | 1

AmeriCorps VISTA HealthBenefits

Overview

AmeriCorps members serving with the VISTA program are eligible to receive one of two healthcare 

benefits. The benefit they select will depend on their own healthcare situation. This document outlines 

how to know which healthcare benefit applies to a member’s situation, details on each of the two 

options, as well as definitions and answers to frequently asked questions for each benefit.

If you have healthcare coverage

AmeriCorps members serving with the VISTA program (VISTA members) who maintain qualifying health 

coverage during their service term may enroll in the AmeriCorps VISTA Healthcare Allowance. This 

allowance is a supplemental healthcare allowance program that covers out-of-pocket costs associated 

with healthcare. Out-of-pocket expenses may include your annual deductible, coinsurance, 

copayments, other qualified medical expenses as outlined by your primary health plan, and/or basic 

dental or vision plans. The Healthcare Allowance will help offset these expenses up to $8,550 in 2021. 

The Healthcare Allowance does not cover costs associated with purchasing insurance, costs for nonessential health expenses, costs for abortion services, or charges associated with dependents or other 

individuals covered under your healthcare plan.

Examples of qualifying healthcare coverage that would make the AmeriCorps VISTA Healthcare Allowance 

beneficial:

• Family health insurance coverage: If you are age 26 or younger and on a parent’s plan, or married 

and covered by a spouse’s plan;

• Health insurance purchased through the Health InsuranceMarketplace;

• Medicaid, Medicare, or military healthcare benefits; or

• Coverage under a separate government-sponsored program or actsuch as benefits available to 

individuals in the U.S. territories or who belong to a federally recognized Indiantribe.

If you don’t have healthcare coverage

AmeriCorps members serving with the VISTA program who do not have health coverage are eligible to 

enroll in the AmeriCorps VISTA Health Benefit Plan. This limited benefit plan is available to members at 

no cost and covers eligible expenses for medical office visits, most lab and x-ray services, limited 

preventive care (e.g., an annual ob- gyn visit for women), limited dental and vision, medical emergencies, 

surgical and hospitalization expenses, and certain prescription drug costs. The plan does not cover preexisting conditions, costs for abortion services, or care for dependents (including your spouse).

The AmeriCorps VISTA Health Benefit Plan is not insurance.
April 2021 PAGE | 2

International Medical Group (IMG) is the administrator of the AmeriCorps VISTA Healthcare Allowance 

and the AmeriCorps VISTA Health Benefit Plan. For details about either benefit, please visit: 

americorpsvista.imglobal.com.

Soon after you begin AmeriCorps service, you will receive an email from IMG with instructions for 

creating a “MyIMGVISTA” account and completing the Member Enrollment Form online. Submit the 

enrollment form as soon as possible (within the first 30 days of service) to ensure enrollment.

If you need healthcare coverage

Special Enrollment Periods for AmeriCorps members in the Health Insurance Marketplace:

If you would like to buy insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace, you can take advantage of 

the special enrollment periods for all AmeriCorps members. These special enrollment periods consist of:

1) the first 60 days of your service term; and 2) the 60 days after your term concludes. During these two 

periods, you are allowed to buy insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace outside of the

public open enrollment period. To apply for coverage under the Special Enrollment Period, shop for 

coverage, and learn more about enrolling in the Health Insurance Marketplace, visit healthcare.gov or 

contact the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596.

When applying for coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace, please remember that 

AmeriCorps members are not employees and therefore are not being offered employee-sponsored plans. 

When completing the application, members should select “I’m not eligible for insurance through my 

employer or a family member’s employer.”

AmeriCorps VISTA Healthcare Allowance

Eligibility

Members who maintain qualifying health coverage for their entire service term are eligible to enroll in 

the AmeriCorps VISTA Healthcare Allowance Plan. Please note: Members who are enrolled in the 

AmeriCorps VISTA Health Benefit Plan are not eligible for the healthcare allowance.

How to Enroll

Members are not automatically enrolled in the AmeriCorps VISTA Healthcare Allowance. To 

enroll, you must:

• maintain qualifying health coverage throughout the duration of your AmeriCorps VISTA service term,

and

• submit a completed Member Enrollment Form to IMG within the first 30 days of AmeriCorps

service and include details of your qualified healthcare coverage on the IMG Enrollment Form.
April 2021 PAGE | 3

If you don’t currently have qualified health coverage, you can visit the Health Insurance Marketplace at 

healthcare.gov to see what options are available to you and purchase coverage. It can take several weeks 

for your Marketplace application to be processed.

Once IMG receives and processes your Member Enrollment Form, you will receive a Healthcare 

Allowance identification card from IMG to use when receiving medical or prescription services.

How to use the Healthcare Allowance

When visiting a medical, dental, or vision care provider for services, present both your primary health 

insurance card (or dental/vision card) and your IMG Healthcare Allowance ID card, and encourage your 

medical provider to bill IMG directly for any out-of-pocket expenses after your primary health coverage. 

This will lessen the likelihood you will have to pay these expenses prior to receiving care.

Out-of-pocket expenses covered under the Healthcare Allowance include:

• Routine Dental Coverage - oral exams, x-rays, fillings, the emergency alleviation of pain (see

‘Routine Dental Coverage’ outlined below as a reference).

• Routine Vision Coverage - annual eye exam and a complete pair of glasses (or contacts) annually.

If you have primary coverage for routine dental and routine vision, you must first process your claim 

through your primary plan and then submit any remaining out-of-pocket expenses to IMG.

If you are billed by your provider for a medical service that is eligible to be paid for through the 

Healthcare Allowance benefit, submit a completed Healthcare Allowance Medical Reimbursement Form

(IMG/AmeriCorps VISTA claim form) along with the Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your primary 

qualifying health coverage provider. IMG will process the claim and, upon approval, pay your healthcare 

provider directly. (You can find links to the Healthcare Allowance Medical Reimbursement Form and 

other forms on the Member Forms [https://americorpsvista.imglobal.com/resources/member-forms] 

page of IMG’s website.)

If you have already paid for an eligible medical service, submit a completed IMG/AmeriCorps VISTA claim 

form (Healthcare Allowance Medical Reimbursement Form) and any receipts documenting payment, as 

well as the Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your primary health coverage provider. IMG will process 

your reimbursement claim and, upon approval, issue payment directly to you.

The receipt of an EOB from your healthcare coverage provider can often take several weeks. To expedite 

the process, you may call your healthcare coverage provider and request a copy.
April 2021 PAGE | 4

AmeriCorps VISTA Health Benefit Plan

Eligibility

To be eligible for the AmeriCorps VISTA Health Benefit Plan, members must not have other qualifying 

health coverage. Members who are enrolled in the AmeriCorps VISTA Health Benefit Plan are not eligible 

for the AmeriCorps VISTA Healthcare Allowance.

How to Enroll

Members are not automatically enrolled in the AmeriCorps VISTA Health Benefit Plan.

To enroll in the Health Benefit Plan for the duration of your service term, submit a completed Member 

Enrollment Form to IMG.

Once your enrollment is processed and approved, you will receive a Health Benefit Plan identification 

card from IMG to be used as proof of healthcare coverage when you need medical or prescription 

services.

How to use the Health Benefit Plan

The Health Benefit Plan uses a network called First Health Network for doctors, hospitals, and other 

providers, and a network called Universal Rx for pharmacy visits. Using in-network providers and 

pharmacies minimizes the cost to you; if you go to a provider outside the network, you will be 

responsible for more of the cost. When visiting an in-network medical provider or pharmacy, 

present your Benefit Plan ID card so the provider can bill IMG directly.

Members enrolled in the VISTA Health Benefit Plan are eligible for routine dental and vision coverage as 

outlined below. Present your Benefit Plan ID card to dental and vision providers at the time of service to 

ensure claims are sent directly to IMG. To find a participating dental provider, do a search within the 

First Health Network. Dental and vision providers who request additional information about coverage 

can call IMG directly.

Routine Dental Coverage - Plan year maximum is $1,000.

Preventive and Diagnostic Dental Procedures - Paid at 100% 

Includes:

• Routine oral exams including the cleaning and scaling of the teeth: Once every6 months.

*Please note, emergency treatment for pain is already covered by the Health Benefit Plan and is 

not subject to the $1,000 year maximum.

Basic Dental Procedures - Paid at 80% 

Includes:

• Dental X-Ray: 1 bitewing per year
April 2021 PAGE | 5

• Periodontics (gum treatments)

• Endodontics (root canals)

• Extractions - including local anesthesia and routine post-operativecare

• Fillings other than gold

Routine Vision Coverage - Plan year maximum is $200 per service year.

Includes:

• 1 eye exam per year

• 1 pair of glasses (or contacts) per year

Access to Telehealth

In addition to an elected health benefit, AmeriCorps VISTA members can now access telehealth, i.e., virtual 

care, at no cost. This free service is done through International Medical Group (IMG), the administrator of 

the AmeriCorps VISTA Healthcare Allowance and the AmeriCorps VISTA Health Benefit Plan, via a 

partnership with Teladoc.

Telehealth allows members to promptly consult with board certified physicians, psychologists, social 

workers, and professional counselors 24/7/365 via phone or video chat, at no cost to the member. 

Find more information and connect with a telehealth provider.

Administration of the AmeriCorps Health Benefit Program

International Medical Group (IMG) administers the AmeriCorps VISTA Health Benefit Program including 

enrollment, claim processing, and customer service support. Please contact IMG at:

International Medical Group

P.O. Box 550, Farmington Hills, MI 48332

Telephone: 855-851-2974 (toll-free) or 317-833-1711

Fax: 855-851-2971

Email: vistacare@imglobal.com

Website: americorpsvista.imglobal.com

How to Get Qualifying Healthcare Coverage

If you do not currently have qualifying healthcare coverage (e.g., through a family insurance plan, 

Medicaid, Medicare, military benefits, or other qualifying healthcare coverage), the best place to start is 

the Health Insurance Marketplace at: healthcare.gov. The Health Insurance Marketplace is an online 

resource for reviewing plan choices, submitting applications, and getting assistance with questions about 

your healthcare options.

IMG, the AmeriCorps VISTA Health Benefit Administrator, also has staff who can assist you with 

understanding your options.
April 2021 PAGE | 6

Definitions

Explanation of Benefits (EOB) – A statement from a health insurance company that explains how the claim 

for medical services was processed.

Healthcare provider – A doctor, clinic, hospital, laboratory, etc. that provides professional healthcare 

services to diagnose or treat illnesses or injuries.

Health coverage provider – A public or private entity that provides healthcare coverage in the form of 

insurance or other reimbursement for costs. It includes private insurance companies, Medicare, Medicaid, 

Tricare, and the administrator/provider of the AmeriCorps VISTA health plans.

Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) – Any insurance that meets the Affordable Care Act requirements for 

qualifying health coverage. Examples include: Marketplace Health Insurance plans, Medicare, Medicaid, 

CHIP, TRICARE, and certain other coverage. For more information on plans that qualify, visit 

healthcare.gov. 

Qualifying health coverage – Health insurance plans that meet the minimum essential coverage standards 

as set by the Affordable Care Act. Examples include: plans purchased through the Health Insurance 

Marketplace, individual health plans purchased outside of the Health Insurance Marketplace, coverage 

under a parent’s plan, most Medicaid plans, Medicare Part A or Part C, most Tricare plans, etc.; to see if 

your plan qualifies, please visit healthcare.gov.

Qualifying life event – A change in your life that can make you eligible for a Special Enrollment Period to 

enroll in health coverage. Examples of qualifying life events are moving to a new state, certain changes in 

your income, and changes in your family size (for example, if you marry, divorce, or have a baby). For 

information on examples of all qualifying life events, please visit healthcare.gov.

Special Enrollment Period – A time outside of the open enrollment period during which you and your 

family have a right to sign up for health coverage. In the Health Insurance Marketplace, you qualify for a 

special enrolment period 60 days following certain life events that involve a change in family status, loss 

of other health coverage, or starting and ending service as an AmeriCorps member. For more 

information on special enrollment periods, please visit healthcare.gov.
April 2021 PAGE | 7

Health Coverage Options FAQs

I don’t have health insurance or other coverage. When do I need to apply for 

other healthcare coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace?

Other qualifying health coverage applications through the Healthcare Insurance Marketplace can take 

weeks or months to be processed. To avoid missing the 60-day deadline to enroll in an AmeriCorps VISTA 

health benefit plan, complete your application for other healthcare coverage immediately and no later than 

the first 30 days of your AmeriCorps service.

What happens if I miss the 60-day deadline to enroll in the AmeriCorps VISTA 

Health Benefit Plan?

If you miss the 60-day enrollment deadline, we cannot guarantee you coverage through the AmeriCorps 

VISTA Health Benefit Program during the gap between the day you begin service and the day you secure 

other healthcare coverage. 

Failure to submit your Member Enrollment Form to IMG including details of other qualifying health 

coverage by the 60-day enrollment deadline may result in separation from AmeriCorps VISTA service 

and you may be responsible for your own healthcare costs.

If you are approaching the 60-day enrollment deadline and are still waiting on a response concerning your

health coverage or Marketplace application, please contact IMG immediately.

I’m concerned that I won’t be able to afford other health coverage as an AmeriCorps 

member.

What are my options?

Most AmeriCorps members serving in the VISTA program, based on their income, qualify for lower 

monthly insurance coverage premiums. By using a simple tool and submitting an application at 

healthcare.gov/, you provide some basic income and household information, and view plans and prices 

available in your area. (See also: “If you need healthcare coverage”.)

Are Medicare, Medicaid, and Military Benefits considered coverage that makes 

me eligible for the AmeriCorps VISTA Healthcare Allowance?

Yes, Medicare, most Medicaid plans, and Military Benefits are considered qualifying health coverage

that would make you eligible to select the AmeriCorps VISTA Healthcare Allowance.
April 2021 PAGE | 8

I am a member of a Tribal community. Are the healthcare coverage requirements 

different from those of other AmeriCorps members?

AmeriCorps members who are enrolled in a federally recognized Indian tribe may be eligible to receive 

benefits through an Indian health service provider. For more information about your VISTA healthcare 

options during your service term, please contact the International Medical Group (IMG) at 1-855-851-2974 

or visit americorpsvista.imglobal.com. 

Are the healthcare coverage requirements for AmeriCorps members who are 

residents of Puerto Rico or other U.S. Territories different from those of other 

members?

If you are a member living in one of the U.S. Territories and would like to find out more information about 

your VISTA healthcare options during your service term, please contact IMG at 1-855-851-2974. (See also: 

“If you are exempt from the healthcare coverage requirement”.)

I’m starting my service term outside of the “Open Enrollment” period for the 

Health Insurance Marketplace. Is entering AmeriCorps VISTA considered a 

qualifying life event for access to the Marketplace outside of “Open 

Enrollment”?

Yes. If you started service after an open enrollment period ended, you have 60 days from your service start 

date to apply for qualifying health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. In such a case 

you would be applying for coverage during a Special Enrollment Period. (See also: “Special Enrollment 

Period”.)

To apply for coverage under the Special Enrollment Period, contact the Health Insurance Marketplace call 

center at 1-800-318-2596 or visit https://localhelp.healthcare.gov for assistance from a Certified 

Navigator.
April 2021 PAGE | 9

Things that May Affect My Health Benefits

I have not yet started my AmeriCorps service. When can I create an account and 

sign up for AmeriCorps VISTA health benefits?

Prior to officially starting AmeriCorps service, you should review your health benefit options and contact 

IMG if needed for additional information. Once you are activated as an AmeriCorps VISTA member (this 

typically occurs 2 to 5 business days after your swearing in as an AmeriCorps member with the VISTA

program), IMG will send you an email (from vistacare@imglobal.com) with instructions on creating a 

MyIMGVISTA account and enrolling in health benefits.

I’m currently on my parent’s health plan but I will turn 26 during my term of

service. What should I do?

Turning 26 years old is considered a Qualifying Life Event and allows you to apply for health coverage

through the Health Insurance Marketplace outside of open enrollment periods. Once you’ve applied for 

qualifying health coverage through the Marketplace, you must submit documentation of your new 

coverage to IMG by completing an updated Enrollment Form.

What happens if I don’t maintain coverage throughout my service term?

If you become sick or are injured during your service term and seek healthcare assistance from 

AmeriCorps VISTA, but cannot provide proof of coverage, you may be subject to separation from the 

VISTA program and be responsible for your own healthcare costs. Please contact IMG to discuss your 

options for coverage.

What will happen to my coverage if I extend my AmeriCorps VISTA service?

If you extend your service term for an additional period of less than 12 months (as opposed to reenrolling for a new year-long term) you will remain on the same AmeriCorps VISTA health benefit plan 

that you currently hold. You will not need to take any action to continue receiving your AmeriCorps VISTA 

benefits during your extended service period.

Can I change the AmeriCorps VISTA health benefit that I receive?

You may change from one benefit plan to another only when a qualifying life-event warrants the need 

for such a change. To see if your situation is a qualifying life event, please contact IMG.
April 2021 PAGE | 10

When I end my service, what do I need to do to make changes to my own health 

coverage?

If you are currently on the AmeriCorps VISTA Health Benefit Plan, at the end of your service you are 

eligible for a ‘Special Enrollment Period’ through the Health Insurance Marketplace to apply for 

qualifying health coverage. Applying through the Marketplace will ensure that you have access to 

qualified health coverage after you leave service and are no longer eligible for coverage through the 

AmeriCorps VISTA Health Benefit Plan. To apply for coverage under the Special Enrollment Period, you 

must visit healthcare.gov or call the Marketplace at 1-800-318-2596.

If you are currently on the AmeriCorps VISTA Healthcare Allowance and had obtained coverage through 

the Health Insurance Marketplace, at the end of your AmeriCorps service you should contact the 

Marketplace to find out if your subsidy needs to be adjusted based on a change in your income. If your 

income goes up and your subsidy is not adjusted, you may have to pay back the excess at tax time. To 

update your information with the Marketplace, visit healthcare.gov.

AmeriCorps VISTA Healthcare Allowance FAQs

What can the Healthcare Allowance plan be used for?

The allowance is used to off-set your out-of-pocket healthcare expenses such as:

• meeting your annual deductible

• copayments

• prescription copay

• coinsurance

• other qualified medical expenses as outlined by your primary health plan (to include dental and 

vision plans)

The Healthcare Allowance may not be used for any other purpose, such as to pay your healthcare 

coverage premiums or to pay for non-essential health expenses.

Does the Healthcare Allowance reimburse for mental health services?

Yes. The allowance covers costs associated with qualifying health expenses as outlined by your primary 

health plan that you incur during your service year. For a list of essential health benefits, please see 

https://www.healthcare.gov/blog/10-health-care-benefits-covered-in-the-health-insurance-marketplace/

or contact your primary insurance provider.

Does the Healthcare Allowance reimburse for dental and vision services?

Yes. The allowance reimburses for out-of-pocket costs associated with basic dental and vision services, 

with certain limitations. For more information on eligible allowance reimbursements, please contact 

the International Medical Group (IMG) at 1-855-851-2974 or visit americorpsvista.imglobal.com.
April 2021 PAGE | 11

Does the Healthcare Allowance include access to telehealth?

Yes. In addition to their elected health benefit, AmeriCorps members in the VISTA program can access 

telehealth, i.e., virtual care, at no cost. For more information and to access this benefit, please visit: 

https://americorpsvista.imglobal.com/my-benefits/connect-with-a-telehealth-provider.

Can I use the AmeriCorps VISTA Healthcare Allowance for costs related to healthcare 

for my spouse or child?

No. The AmeriCorps VISTA Healthcare Allowance does not cover costs associated with the care of your 

spouse or dependents. The allowance covers only the AmeriCorps member, regardless of how many 

people are covered on the primary health plan. Though you are responsible for obtaining coverage for 

yourself as an individual for the duration of your service term, if you would like your qualifying health 

coverage to include your spouse or child, you must select a healthcare plan that includes family coverage 

as your primary plan.

Can I be reimbursed for the premiums for coverage I obtain through the Health 

Insurance Marketplace?

No. The healthcare allowance cannot be used towards premiums associated with your healthcare 

coverage (to include vision and dental plans). You’ll need to pay the premiums yourself. Other eligible outof-pocket expenses, such as deductibles and co-payments are covered by the allowance.

Do I need to submit proof of healthcare coverage to participate in the Healthcare 

Allowance?

Yes. To enroll into the AmeriCorps VISTA Healthcare Allowance, you must maintain qualifying health 

coverage throughout your service and submit coverage plan information to IMG when you submit 

the Member Enrollment Form.

How long do I have to submit proof of coverage to AmeriCorps VISTA?

You have 60 days from your VISTA service start date to obtain qualifying health coverage and submit 

proof to IMG by way of a completed Member Enrollment Form.

If you do not have health coverage on the first day of your service term but you want to obtain your 

own health coverage, you may enroll for temporary coverage under the AmeriCorps VISTA Health 

Benefit Plan for the first 60 days of your service while you obtain qualifying healthcare coverage. Upon 

securing your own health coverage, you would need to contact IMG to show proof of coverage and 

inquire about switching to the AmeriCorps VISTA Healthcare Allowance.
April 2021 PAGE | 12

Will the effective date of my Healthcare Allowance be retroactive to when my 

service term started?

Maybe. Participation in the AmeriCorps VISTA Healthcare Allowance requires you to enroll by submitting 

a Member Enrollment Form and proof of qualifying health coverage to IMG. The effective date of 

enrollment in the Healthcare Allowance will be either the date your service term began or the date your 

healthcare coverage began, whichever is later.

If I re-enroll for another year of service does the cap on the allowance restart?

Yes. If you re-enroll in a new term of AmeriCorps service with the VISTA program, you are eligible for 

AmeriCorps VISTA health benefits in the new term and will need to submit an updated Member 

Enrollment Form to IMG including details of qualifying health coverage (under Section 3 of the 

Enrollment form); once enrolled, the healthcare allowance cap restarts.
April 2021 PAGE | 13

AmeriCorps VISTA Health Benefit Plan FAQs

Am I automatically enrolled in the Health Benefit Plan?

No. You will need to submit a Member Enrollment Form to be covered by the AmeriCorps VISTA 

Health Benefit Plan. You will not be able to submit medical, dental, vision, and prescription 

claims until your Member Enrollment Form is submitted and approved.

For more information about your AmeriCorps VISTA healthcare options during your service term, please 

contact the AmeriCorps VISTA Health Benefit Administrator, IMG (International Medical Group) at 1-855-

851-2974 or https://americorpsvista.imglobal.com.

What are the costs to VISTA members?

The AmeriCorps VISTA Health Benefit Plan is free to qualifying members and it has low out-of-pocket 

expenses. Co-payments are limited to $5 for medical office visits and prescriptions ($0 co-pay for generic 

prescriptions) and there are no co-payments for emergency hospitalizations. There are no annual or 

lifetime limits on the coverage.

What does the prescription drug benefit cover?

The prescription drug benefit of the AmeriCorps Health Benefit Plan covers many medications that are 

prescribed by a doctor to treat an illness or condition. For more information on prescription coverage as 

well as exclusions, please visit https://americorpsvista.imglobal.com. For name-brand drugs, there is a $5 

co-pay per prescription; for generics, the co-pay is $0. “Over the counter” drugs are not covered, even if a 

doctor writes you a prescription for them.

What are the limitations with the AmeriCorps VISTA Health Benefit Plan?

This is a limited benefit plan that only covers you, the AmeriCorps member, not your spouse, partner, or 

dependents. The benefit does not cover costs associated with pre-existing conditions. In addition, there are 

instances where you may be required to pay a co-payment for an office visit or prescription; you may also 

be required to cover the full cost of services if the medical service is not covered by the plan (such as 

treatment related to a pre-existing condition). Please see the AmeriCorps Health Benefit Plan Guide on the 

Member Forms page of the IMG website for more information on plan details.

Does the Healthcare Benefit Plan include access to telehealth?

Yes. In addition to their elected health benefit, AmeriCorps VISTA members can now access telehealth, i.e., 

virtual care, at no cost. For more information and to access this benefit, please visit: 

https://americorpsvista.imglobal.com/my-benefits/connect-with-a-telehealth-provider.
April 2021 PAGE | 14

AmeriCorps VISTA Sponsor Support FAQs

May AmeriCorps VISTA sponsors include members on their health benefit policy?

Yes, you may. However, you may not define the members as employeesfor the purpose of enrolling them 

in such benefit programs. Moreover, you must offer the benefit equally to all members serving with your

organization.

May AmeriCorps VISTA sponsors provide members with a healthcare subsidy to 

offset the costs of purchasing a qualifying health coverage plan?

Yes, you may. However, certain conditions apply:

• You must use your organization’s own funds. You must not use funds received from the VISTA 

program because VISTA grant funds are intended to cover the costs of supervision, servicerelated transportation, and administrative fees, not member support or benefits. Your 

organization is responsible for tracking and documenting which of your funds are used for

healthcare subsidies.

• You must offer the benefit equally to all AmeriCorps VISTA members serving with your organization.

• Your organization must manage, respond to, and resolve any issuesraised by members or 

others related to any subsidy your organization chooses to provide. AmeriCorps will not be 

involved in any such issues that may arise.

• The subsidy must be in the form of a reimbursement. Members must provide proof of coverage 

and cost to receive the reimbursement.

• You must inform the VISTA members that the subsidy your organization provides is considered 

taxable income and they must report it assuch.

• You are required to develop and document your organization’s policy and processfor 

implementation.

If an AmeriCorps VISTA member is assessed a penalty for not obtaining ACA 

compliant coverage, may the VISTA sponsor reimburse the member using federal 

funds or their organization’s own funds?

No, you may not reimburse a member for a penalty associated with not having ACA compliant coverage. 

All Americans are subject to the provisions of the ACA and state laws. It is the responsibility of your VISTA 

member(s) to review their individual circumstances and determine if the law requires them to have 

compliant coverage and pay a penalty, if assessed one.
April 2021 PAGE | 15

Miscellaneous FAQs

Is AmeriCorps service considered employment?

No. AmeriCorps VISTA is not considered employment. For the purpose of the Affordable Care Act, members 

are not considered employees of either the federal government or the sponsoring organizations where they 

are assigned to serve.

I am shopping for coverage on the Health Insurance Marketplace; I have found 

that if I answer the question that my employer offers health insurance, I am 

informed I am ineligible for a health insurance plan?

AmeriCorps members are not employees and therefore are not being offered employer-sponsored plans. 

In the exchange, members should select “I’m not eligible for insurance through my employer or a family 

member’s employer”.

Should VISTA members claim their living allowance as income?

Yes. When completing an application for health coverage in the Health Insurance Marketplace, 

members should report all household income, including any AmeriCorps income they receive, such as

living allowance.