Happy Memorial Day Weekend,

There is an on-going debate here about providing support, via university
funds, for graduate student medical insurance for individuals and their
dependants.  Part of the discussion is whether such charges would be an
allowable cost if charged to an externally funded project.  It seems
that Federal guidelines do not allow for federal funds to be used to pay
for dependant expenses.  However, I would appreciate comments from the
group on this topic.  In summary:  the medical insurance coverage would
be consistently provided to all graduate students through university
policy, it would be charged as an employee benefit rate, and it is
proposed that the coverage would include dependants.   Would such a
charge be allowable on a Federally funded project, except when expressly
prohibited (e.g. NSF Fellowships)?

Your input would be appreciated.

Ruth Tallman
Office of Research and Sponsored Programs
Lehigh University
526 Brodhead Avenue
Bethlehem, PA  18015
Phone:   (610)758-3024
FAX:    (610)758-5994
E-mail:   xxxxxx@lehigh.edu

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