Lana Oconnell
First Student, Inc. offers a range of services to improve student transportation and safety, including health insurance. The company emphasizes the importance of student health coverage for a successful education and provides a toll-free number for additional information. First Student's health insurance plan has received mixed reviews from employees, with some praising its benefits and others noting that out-of-pocket expenses are common due to high deductibles. Students can enroll or waive coverage on the University Health Plans site, and timely enrollment is crucial to maintain eligibility.
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What You'll Learn
Enrolling in a student plan
Enrolling in a student health insurance plan can be a great way to get affordable basic insurance coverage. Student health plans often cost less than other plans and even less than employer-sponsored family plans. They can also provide better benefits, such as lower-cost deductibles and premiums, comprehensive benefits, and greater access to national and local networks of physicians and behavioural health specialists.
Before enrolling in a student plan, it is recommended that you compare all other insurance options to ensure you are getting the best plan for your needs. You can compare and purchase insurance plans on the insurance marketplace, such as www.healthcare.gov, where you may also be eligible for a Subsidized Health Plan.
If your school offers a student health plan, you can enrol in that. Alternatively, you can apply for coverage through the Marketplace, either on your own or with your parent. If you apply with your parent, you may need to choose a separate plan if you are 26 or older. If you are under 21, you will need to provide information about your parent and their income. If you are over 26, you can stay on your parent's plan until the coverage ends on December 31, even if you turned 26 during the year.
If you are under 30, or qualify for a hardship exemption, you can purchase a catastrophic health plan through an Exchange. Depending on your state, you may also qualify for Medicaid.
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Understanding qualifying life events
A qualifying life event is an event that triggers a special enrollment period for an individual or family to purchase health insurance or make changes to their coverage outside of the regular annual ACA open enrollment period. These events allow individuals to enrol in health insurance plans outside of the typical enrolment window.
Qualifying life events include:
- Marriage or divorce
- Loss of other coverage, as long as the coverage you are losing is considered minimum essential coverage
- A permanent move to an area where different health plans are available, as long as you already had coverage prior to the move
- A change in employment status, whether voluntary or involuntary (laid off, dismissed, resigned, quit, or retired)
- Turning 26 and aging out of your parent's health insurance
- Turning 65 and becoming eligible for Medicare
- A change in income that affects your subsidy eligibility
- Becoming a U.S. citizen or lawfully present resident
When enrolling in a health insurance plan following a qualifying life event, individuals may be asked to provide documentation to confirm the event. The type of documentation required depends on the specific event. For example, a change of address confirmation, official school documentation, or a letter from an employer may be requested.
It is important to note that the specific qualifying life events that trigger a special enrollment period may vary slightly depending on the health insurance provider and the state in which the insurance is purchased.
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Waiving school insurance
To waive school insurance, students must first meet the eligibility criteria. For example, at UNC, students must have the Campus Health Fee included with their tuition and be enrolled in a minimum number of credit hours. International students should note that most international insurance plans do not meet waiver requirements and must meet additional criteria, such as providing a minimum of $50,000 per year for medical evacuation.
Once eligibility is confirmed, students will need to complete an online waiver form, providing information on their current health insurance plan. This may include proof of active, creditable health insurance coverage, which must be verified and approved. Students should keep in mind that failing to submit a waiver before the deadline will result in automatic enrolment in the school insurance plan and the responsibility to pay the premium.
After submitting the waiver form, students will receive a reference number and a confirmation email. It's important to note that this confirms the submission of the form but not the acceptance of the waiver. The waiver must be verified and approved before the premium is removed from the student's account. Students should also be aware that they may need to complete a new waiver each semester or academic year, depending on the institution's requirements.
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Accessing covered services
To receive your insurance ID card, you will receive an email with a link to download your electronic insurance ID card. You can then access your card from your computer or mobile device via the free UHCSR app.
It is important to secure the right student health coverage to ensure a successful education. First Student offers a toll-free number, 1-800-505-4160, which is available from 7 am to 7 pm CST, for any additional information or queries regarding their student health insurance plans.
Additionally, First Student provides a comprehensive e-learning portal and self-service functionality, offering easy access to policies and procedures, payroll, tax information, and job opportunities.
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Losing coverage
Losing student insurance coverage can be a stressful experience, but there are options to ensure you remain covered. Firstly, it's important to understand the reasons for losing coverage. For example, you may have aged out of your parent's insurance or lost coverage due to graduation or a change in income. Once you've identified the reason, you can explore the following options:
Marketplace Coverage
If you lose your student health insurance coverage, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to enroll in a Marketplace plan. This period is outside of the usual Open Enrollment and allows you to enroll in or change plans. To qualify for an SEP, you must provide proof of coverage loss, such as a letter from your school. You can then select a new health plan and submit the required documentation within 30 days.
Parent's Insurance Plan
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has made it possible for young adults to remain on their parent's insurance plan until they turn 26. This option is ideal if you are still dependent on your parents and meet the other requirements, such as being unmarried and living in the same state as your parents.
School's Insurance Policy
If you have lost your previous coverage through no fault of your own, you may be eligible to enroll in your school's insurance policy. Contact your school's administration or student services to explore this option.
Medicaid or CHIP
If you meet the income and eligibility requirements, you may qualify for Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). These programs provide low-cost or free health coverage for those who cannot afford private insurance.
Remember, losing student insurance coverage does not mean you have to go without health insurance. Explore these options and consider your personal circumstances to make an informed decision about your healthcare coverage.
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Frequently asked questions
First Student Insurance is paid for annually. Students are automatically enrolled in the University-sponsored plan and are responsible for the premium for the 12-month policy.
If you do not pay within 30 days of the qualifying life event, you will no longer be eligible to enroll in the plan until the fall of the following school year.
Examples of qualifying life events include having a baby, getting married, and aging out of your parent's health insurance.
No, there are no options for monthly payments.
No, coverage under the policy may not be canceled. Refunds are only made if the insured student enters the US Armed Forces or if eligibility requirements are not met.
