Uw Student Medical Care: What's Covered?

do university of washington students get medical care

The University of Washington (UW) does not offer health insurance to domestic students. However, UW students can access medical care through the professionally staffed Hall Health Center, which provides treatment for basic medical conditions. Students with private health insurance should expect out-of-pocket expenses, while those with Medicaid (Apple Health) can access services with no additional costs. Out-of-state students are eligible for Apple Health once they establish a Washington state address. Additionally, financial aid is available to cover health insurance costs and specific medical expenses. UW also provides various support services, including counseling, advocacy, and wellness programs, to address the holistic health needs of its student community.

Characteristics Values
University-provided health insurance The University of Washington does not offer health insurance to domestic students.
Health care options for students The UW maintains a professionally staffed Hall Health Center, located on campus, to provide treatment for basic medical conditions for current UW students, faculty, and staff.
Health insurance options for out-of-state students Out-of-state families should note that none of the insurance options available in Washington State will provide coverage for routine care outside of Washington. Plans available through the marketplace only provide emergency coverage out-of-state.
Health insurance options for DACA students As of open enrollment in 2024, the Cascade Care insurance plan in Washington State is the only public insurance plan for DACA students.
Health insurance options for low-income students Low-income students in Washington can get free healthcare.
Health insurance options for international students International students whose family members are not filing taxes in the US should report their own personal income when applying for insurance.
Financial aid for health insurance Financial aid is available to cover health insurance costs for medical students.

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University of Washington (UW) health insurance options

The University of Washington (UW) does not offer health insurance to domestic students. However, domestic students can get help with insurance by contacting Public Health – Seattle & King County’s health insurance navigators. Domestic students are not required to have health insurance by the university. Most UW students have in-state or out-of-state private insurance, while about 25% of Seattle students have Washington State Medicaid, also known as Apple Health.

International students and graduate student employees are automatically enrolled in UW-provided health insurance. For example, J1 or F1 visa holders are automatically enrolled in ISHIP, and many graduate students employed by UW have GAIP.

UW also provides health insurance to DACA students. As of open enrollment in 2024, the Cascade Care insurance plan in Washington state is the only public insurance plan for DACA students.

Students can also seek financial aid to cover health insurance costs and non-elective healthcare costs that are medically necessary.

For UW employees, there are different health plans available.

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UW medical care costs

The University of Washington (UW) does not offer health insurance to domestic students. Domestic students are defined as US citizens, legal permanents, DACA and undocumented students. However, UW does offer health insurance to MSTP students through the Graduate Appointee Insurance Program (GAIP). Coverage is provided on a month-by-month basis for the duration of their eligible job appointment.

Most UW students have in-state or out-of-state private insurance. Around 25% of Seattle students have Washington State Medicaid, also known as Apple Health. Students with private health insurance should expect out-of-pocket expenses such as premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. Medicaid (Apple Health) has no costs as long as you only use covered services from contracted providers.

Out-of-state families should be aware that no insurance options in Washington State cover routine care outside of the state. Plans obtained through the state exchange only provide comprehensive coverage within Washington State. Outside of Washington, private insurance and Medicaid plans through WA Health Plan Finder only cover emergency care.

UW students can apply for financial aid to cover health insurance costs and medically necessary non-elective healthcare expenses not covered by health insurance. Financial aid cannot be used to cover the health insurance or healthcare costs of partners, children, or other dependent family members.

Students can also access Hall Health, which offers a range of highly-rated primary and specialty care clinics and services, including Primary Care, Women's Health, Family Health, Mental Health, Sports Medicine, and Physical Therapy. These services are available at no extra cost to UW-Seattle campus students.

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UW medical care for undocumented students

The University of Washington (UW) does not provide health insurance for domestic students, including US citizens, green card holders, permanent residents, DACA students, and undocumented students. However, there are a variety of health services available to undocumented students and members of the UW community.

Firstly, undocumented students at UW can access health insurance through Medicaid (Apple Health) in Washington State. While UW does not offer health insurance to its domestic students, about 25% of Seattle students have Washington State Medicaid. There are no costs associated with Medicaid as long as the individual only seeks covered services with contracted providers. There are five managed care organizations (MCOs) contracted with Washington State to manage the care of people with Medicaid. These MCOs handle billing and other administrative functions. Each person on Medicaid chooses one of these companies as their Apple Health "plan." Outside of Washington State, Medicaid insurance may not be portable to other states except in the case of an emergency and, in some cases, with prior plan permission, urgent care.

Secondly, UW offers health insurance to two specific student groups: graduate students whose UW employment positions qualify them for the Graduate Appointee Insurance Program (GAIP) and international students on J1 and F1 student visas via the International Student Health Insurance Program (ISHIP).

Thirdly, UW's Hall Health offers a wide range of highly-rated primary and specialty care clinics and services, including Primary Care, Women's Health, Family Health, Mental Health, Sports Medicine, and Physical Therapy. These services are available at no further cost to UW-Seattle campus students. However, it is important to note that the first visit is free, while additional visits may require some form of insurance or out-of-pocket expenses.

Fourthly, UW provides a range of counseling services for undocumented students and members of the UW community. The UW Counseling Center offers confidential and culturally sensitive counseling, consultation, referral, and crisis intervention services. Additionally, Health & Wellness offers advocacy and support for students impacted by sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, sexual harassment, and other related experiences.

Finally, community health centers may provide affordable healthcare options for DACA recipients. These centers can be located through the national directory of health centers. Additionally, financial assistance programs, also known as "charity care," may be available in Washington State for DACA grantees with disabilities.

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UW medical care for DACA students

The University of Washington (UW) does not offer health insurance to domestic students, including DACA students. However, there are various health services available to UW students who are covered by other insurance plans or able to pay out-of-pocket.

Medicaid and Insurance Options for DACA Students

DACA students may be eligible for Medicaid (Apple Health) in Washington State, which has no costs associated as long as contracted providers are used. There are five managed care organizations (MCOs) contracted with Washington State to manage the care of people with Medicaid, and each person on Medicaid chooses one of these companies as their plan. Out-of-state insurance options may not provide coverage for routine care outside of Washington, but plans through the marketplace will provide emergency coverage.

UW Health Services

UW's Hall Health offers primary and specialty care clinics and services, including Primary Care, Women's Health, Family Health, Mental Health, Sports Medicine, and Physical Therapy. UW-Seattle campus students are automatically eligible for many health services at no additional cost, including one visit per quarter for medical concerns and unlimited visits with a consulting nurse.

Community Health Centers

Community health centers may provide affordable healthcare options for DACA recipients. These centers can be found through the national directory, and it is recommended to contact them beforehand to discuss options and determine if they meet your medical needs.

Counseling Services

A variety of counseling services are available to undocumented students and members of the UW community, including those affected by the news of DACA ending. These services are provided in partnership with licensed psychologists and counselors, offering support for mental health and understanding multicultural differences.

Pregnancy-Related Services

In many states, income-qualifying pregnant women are eligible for pregnancy-related services through the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or state programs, regardless of their immigration status. These services include prenatal care, labor and delivery services, and sometimes postpartum care. Access to these programs will not be affected by the rescission of DACA.

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UW mental health services

The University of Washington (UW) offers a range of mental health services to its students. UW students can access confidential mental health support on the same day they request it through the Husky HelpLine. This service is available 24/7, and students can connect via online chat, video, or phone. There is also a 24-hour crisis line supported by Telus, which offers same-day, confidential mental health and crisis intervention support in multiple languages.

The UW Counseling Center provides ongoing therapy resources, including individual counselling, group therapy, and workshops. Students can access the online scheduler for appointments with a therapist at UW through the Student Mental Health Portal. Additionally, Peer Wellness Coaching (PWC) is a free service offered by Peer Health Educators at the UW-Seattle campus. Coaching appointments can be conducted via Zoom or in person at the LiveWell Office.

For students impacted by sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, sexual harassment, or other related experiences, Health & Wellness provides advocacy and support. A Health & Wellness Advocate is available to meet with students, help them understand their rights and options, and connect them with resources.

UW Medicine also offers mental health care services, including psychiatric consultation in partnership with community hospitals, clinics, and health centres. Their mental health care experts provide proven therapies to help individuals cope with various mental health challenges, such as trauma, chronic pain, and severe mental health disorders. They also offer outpatient case review, outpatient direct care, and integrated/collaborative care, including telepsychiatry.

While UW does not offer health insurance to domestic students, it is worth noting that most UW students have private insurance, and about 25% of Seattle students have Washington State Medicaid (Apple Health). Students with private insurance should be prepared for potential out-of-pocket costs.

Frequently asked questions

The University of Washington does not offer a Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) for students. However, the UW Hall Health Centre provides treatment for basic medical conditions for current students, staff and the surrounding community.

Students can seek treatment from community health centres, which may provide affordable healthcare options. Students can also apply for insurance through the Washington marketplace, which includes private insurance and Medicaid (Apple Health).

Students with a Washington state address are eligible for Apple Health. Students with an income of up to 133% of the federal poverty level are also eligible.

Out-of-state students are eligible for the same services as Washington students during annual open enrollment periods. They can apply for insurance through healthcare.gov and will be sorted into the appropriate category of private insurance or Medicaid.

The University of Washington offers a wide range of health services, including counselling, support for victims of sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking and sexual harassment, and health and wellness advocacy.

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