Student Health Insurance
Parents and students should have a thoughtful discussion about insurance coverage. Students should know the name of their plan, the insurer's address and the policy number, and should carry insurance cards with them. Students should know who their primary provider is, how to contact him or her and what role he/she plays in ongoing health care and insurance coverage.
Student Health Insurance Required by Law
Massachusetts State Law requires health insurance for every college student taking nine (9) or more credits. Students must participate in either a qualifying student health insurance program (see Student Accident and Sickness Insurance Plan below) or a private health insurance plan with comparable coverage.
Consider Your Current Plan
One of the many decisions to be made during the summer months in preparation for the upcoming academic year is whether your current insurance plan will adequately provide coverage while attending Stonehill College.
We have found that many students arrive on campus with insurance that is inadequate due to restrictive provider networks, high deductibles, or limited coverage for services received outside of a health plan’s service area.
It is your decision to enroll or waive the Student Accident and Sickness Insurance Plan, but here are some questions to think about and to ask your current health plan:
- Does my plan cover full-time students beyond the age of 19?
- Does my plan cover full-time students attending college away from home or even out-of-state?
- Does my plan provide adequate coverage, coverage beyond emergency services to include diagnostic x-rays and laboratory services ordered at Stonehill College Health Service, mental health coverage, prescription drugs, and inpatient and outpatient hospitalization?
- Does my plan have health care providers in the Easton, MA area?
- Does my current plan cover local walk-in clinic visits, emergency room visits and specialty provider referrals?
- Does my current plan have a high deductible that needs to be met before full coverage begins?
Student Accident and Sickness Insurance Plan
If you don't have coverage or if your coverage isn't adequate, you will need to enroll in the Student Accident and Sickness Insurance Plan. The Plan is underwritten by the United States Fire Insurance Company and managed by Gallagher Koster.
Conversely, if your current health insurance plan is comparable, you are not required to purchase the Student Accident and Sickness Insurance Plan.
Stonehill bills all students for the Student Accident and Sickness Insurance Plan until proof of comparable coverage is received. Information will be sent with the bills in July on how to complete an online waiver or acceptance of the insurance.
Plan Details
Some basic points of coverage include the following:
- In- and out-of-network benefits at between 100% and 80% for in network and 80% for out of network;
- Hospitalization, including room and board, general nursing care, diagnostic testing, surgery and medicines;
- Outpatient diagnostic testing and lab work, outpatient hospital services including emergency care and surgery;
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse services;
- Prescription Drug Coverage;
- Preventive/Wellness Coverage at 100%.
Coverage Term Dates
The Student Accident and Sickness Insurance Plan provides coverage to students for a 12-month period, August 14, 2012 through August 14, 2013.
Cost of Plan
The cost of the 2012-2013 Student Accident and Sickness Insurance Plan is $ 1,577.00 and is meant to be an affordable option for students and their families to consider. More details will be available at orientation in June.
Out-of-State Medicaid
Out-of-state Medicaid is not considered comparable insurance. Massachusetts' Mass Health does qualify but frequently ends at age 19 leaving students without any coverage. Insurance policies from other countries are not.
No Fees for Visits to Health Services
There is no charge for visits to Stonehill College Health Services. There may be fees associated with outside laboratory services such as blood tests.
Contact
If you have questions about the Student Accident and Sickness Insurance Plan, please contact Gallagher Koster Insurance at (617) 769-6051 or toll free (800) 406-4911. A copy of the plan brochure will be available online soon.