Savanna Hoffman
Augusta University offers a Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) to its students. The university's health insurance plan is underwritten by UnitedHealthcare and offers two options for students: mandatory or voluntary. Students who already have private health insurance can choose to waive the university's insurance plan, but they must complete an online waiver application. Students who do not have private insurance and are enrolled in programs that require proof of health insurance can voluntarily enroll in SHIP. The insurance plan provides primary and referral healthcare services, and students can visit any provider if they are more than 30 miles away from campus.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mandatory for | Undergraduate and graduate international students holding “F” or “J” visa status, graduate students receiving full-time tuition waivers, graduate students receiving fully-funded fellowships, graduate and undergraduate students enrolled in programs that require proof of health insurance, students enrolled in Health Science programs, and students who participate in collegiate sports |
| Voluntary for | Students who are not required by their program of study to have health insurance |
| Waiver | Students with existing insurance coverage can waive the AU SHIP in favour of their own insurance plan by completing an online waiver application |
| Coverage | Primary and referral health care services, emergency services, follow-up care, specialist and urgent care, emergency room care |
| Costs | $140 mandatory student health fee every semester, additional fees for medications, immunizations, laboratory services, diagnostic procedures, minor procedures, equipment, physical therapy visits, Pap visits, physicals, and travel consultations |
| Billing | Any services received will be billed to the insurance plan, and the student is responsible for any charges not covered by the plan |
| In-network providers | Student Health Services (SHS) is the primary care provider for students enrolled in Augusta University-SHIP |
| Out-of-network providers | Students more than 30 miles away from campus can visit any provider, but it is recommended to use an in-network provider |
| ACA compliance | The plan must be ACA-compliant, with unlimited maximum benefit for covered medical expenses and coverage for essential benefits |
| Annual deductible | Must be met before the plan benefits are paid |
| Exclusions | Some conditions and/or services are not covered; the schedule of benefits and exclusions can be found in the plan brochure at the UHCSR website |
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What You'll Learn
Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) waiver process
The Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) waiver process at Augusta University allows students who already have health insurance to continue their coverage under their current plan. Here is a step-by-step guide to the SHIP waiver process:
Step 1: Eligibility
First, determine your eligibility to waive SHIP. If you are a student who already has health insurance coverage and do not want to enrol in SHIP, you may be eligible to waive it. However, it is important to note that certain groups of Augusta University students are required to have health insurance as per the Georgia Board of Regents and Augusta University policies. These include undergraduate and graduate international students holding "F" or "J" visa status, graduate students receiving full-time tuition waivers or fellowships that fully fund their tuition, and students enrolled in specific programs that require proof of health insurance.
Step 2: Timing
The waiver application process has specific opening and closing times each semester. Keep an eye on the “Waive Coverage” page for the relevant dates for your desired semester.
Step 3: Documentation
You will need to provide documentation as part of your waiver application. This typically includes a copy of your health insurance ID card and a summary of your current insurance benefits. Make sure your current plan meets the waiver criteria and complies with any applicable regulations, such as the Affordable Care Act.
Step 4: Application Submission
Submit your waiver application and supporting documentation to the relevant department or vendor. At Augusta University, this may involve uploading your documents to the Academic Health Plans (AHP) system.
Step 5: Review and Decision
Your waiver application will be reviewed, and you will be notified of the decision. This process can take around 5 to 7 business days. If your waiver is approved, any SHIP fees will be credited to your campus billing account. If your waiver is denied, you may have the option to appeal the decision by providing additional information or documentation.
Step 6: Maintaining Coverage
If your waiver is approved, remember to maintain your private insurance coverage throughout your studies. If you lose your current insurance coverage during a semester, you may need to enrol in SHIP or seek alternative coverage.
By following these steps, you can effectively navigate the SHIP waiver process at Augusta University and maintain your preferred health insurance coverage during your studies.
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Mandatory vs voluntary health insurance
Mandatory health insurance is required by law and is typically paid for by employers. It is legislated by relevant authorities to ensure that businesses have the necessary coverage to protect themselves, their employees, and the public from any harm or damage that may occur during the course of their operations. The type of mandatory insurance required can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the business. For example, in Canada, drivers are legally required to have motor vehicle insurance, which covers damages and medical expenses resulting from driving incidents.
On the other hand, voluntary health insurance is additional coverage that employees can choose to add to their benefits package. It is not required by law, but it offers employees the opportunity to purchase insurance at group discount rates, which may otherwise be unavailable to individuals. Voluntary benefits can help attract and retain top talent, increase employee satisfaction, and improve company loyalty. They are typically paid for by the employee, although some employers may choose to cover the cost as a valuable workplace perk.
In the context of Augusta University student health insurance, the university offers two options for health insurance coverage: mandatory or voluntary. Students who do not already have private insurance are required by the Georgia Board of Regents and Augusta University policies to enrol in the mandatory plan. Those with existing private insurance who wish to maintain their current coverage can do so by completing a waiver form during the specified application period.
The Augusta University Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) serves as the primary care provider for students enrolled in the mandatory plan. Students enrolled in SHIP have access to the Student Health Clinic on campus and can also visit any provider, especially if they are more than 30 miles away from campus. In-network providers for SHIP can be located through the UHCSR website, where students can also view their benefit package, claims, and print their insurance card.
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Substance abuse coverage
The university's Student Health Services (SHS) is the primary care provider for students enrolled in Augusta University-SHIP. This means that students seeking treatment for substance use disorders would typically start by visiting a provider at SHS. SHS clinicians are equipped to provide referrals to off-campus healthcare providers specialising in substance use disorder treatment if needed.
It is important to note that Augusta University-SHIP does not require a referral from SHS under certain conditions, including medical emergencies, maternity or obstetrical care, dermatological services, and mental illness treatment. This means that students can seek treatment for substance abuse-related emergencies without first obtaining a referral from SHS.
Augusta University-SHIP is an annual policy with premiums billed in two instalments: Fall and Spring/Summer. The insurance plan provides worldwide coverage, which is beneficial for students who may require medical care while travelling or studying abroad. Students can access information about their insurance benefits, claims, and in-network providers through the UHCSR website.
For students who already have private health insurance and wish to continue with their current plan, a waiver form must be completed during specific periods each semester. Students with approved waivers who lose their insurance coverage during the semester can request enrollment in Augusta University-SHIP by contacting the university.
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Emergency services
Augusta University offers a Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) to students needing health insurance coverage. The following groups of students are required to have health insurance:
- Undergraduate and graduate international students holding “F” or “J” visa status
- Graduate students receiving full-time tuition waivers
- Graduate students receiving fellowships that fully fund their tuition
- Graduate and undergraduate students enrolled in programs that require proof of health insurance as determined by Augusta University
- Students enrolled in Health Science programs
- Students who participate in collegiate sports
Students enrolled in the Augusta University-SHIP are covered for emergency services. In the event of an emergency, students are advised to go immediately to the nearest medical facility for treatment. Any follow-up care that is provided outside of the Student Health Services (SHS) requires a referral, and the deductible and co-insurance will apply for emergency services. If a student is more than 30 miles away from campus, they are not required to go to the Student Health Clinic and may visit any provider. While a referral is not necessary in this case, it is recommended that students visit an in-network provider.
Augusta University offers three health care plans:
- Comprehensive Care Plan (formerly Open Access POS)
- Consumer Choice HSA Plan (formerly HSA Open Access POS)
- BlueChoice Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Plan
The Comprehensive Care Plan provides medical care/service coverage levels based on In-Network and Out-of-Network services. The Consumer Choice HSA Plan is an inexpensive, comprehensive program that provides lower premiums and higher deductibles than the Comprehensive Care Plan. It is designed to be compatible with Health Savings Accounts (HSA). The BlueChoice HMO Plan is a comprehensive program that provides Primary and Referral healthcare services.
Students who already have health insurance and want to continue coverage under their current plan must complete a waiver form. Students who are enrolled in Augusta University but not in the SHIP plan can still use the SHS for a fee.
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Student Health Clinic
The Student Health Clinic at Augusta University provides professional, accessible, and cost-effective primary care services to its students. All enrolled students are automatically billed a semester health fee of $140, which grants them access to the clinic. However, it is important to note that paying this fee does not mean a student is covered by the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP).
The Student Health Clinic offers a range of services, but some services are not covered by the semester health fee, and additional fees may apply. These include medications, immunizations, laboratory services, diagnostic procedures, minor procedures, equipment, physical therapy visits, Pap visits, physicals, and travel consultations.
Students who are enrolled in the Augusta University Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) will have any services received at the Student Health Clinic billed to their insurance plan. However, they are still responsible for any charges that their plan does not cover.
For students who have their own private insurance plan, the Student Health Clinic is not an in-network provider. These students will need to pay for any service charges at the clinic and then file for reimbursement from their insurance company.
Augusta University offers three health care plans: the Comprehensive Care Plan, the Consumer Choice HSA Plan, and the BlueChoice Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Plan. The Consumer Choice HSA Plan is an inexpensive, comprehensive program with lower premiums and higher deductibles than the Comprehensive Care Plan. The BlueChoice HMO Plan provides primary and referral healthcare services, requiring enrolled students to select a primary care physician (PCP) to coordinate their medical services.
Students who are enrolled in Augusta University-SHIP are required to use Student Health Services as their primary care provider. They must obtain a referral from SHS when they need outside medical attention, except in the case of a medical emergency.
Overall, the Student Health Clinic at Augusta University provides a valuable service to its students, offering convenient and affordable access to primary care. While the semester health fee does not provide insurance coverage, it allows students to utilize the on-campus clinic and its range of services, with additional fees for certain procedures. Students with private insurance plans or enrolled in Augusta University-SHIP can access the clinic, but their insurance coverage and associated processes will vary.
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Frequently asked questions
The Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) is offered to Augusta University students needing health insurance coverage. Students who are already covered by a private insurance plan can waive the SHIP.
The SHIP covers primary and referral health care services. However, some conditions and services are not covered, and students are responsible for any charges that the plan does not cover. The schedule of benefits and exclusions can be found on the UHCSR website.
The premium for the SHIP is billed in two installments per year (Fall and Spring/Summer). The exact cost depends on the chosen plan. The Consumer Choice HSA Plan, for example, provides lower premiums than the Comprehensive Care Plan.
