U.Va. chooses Chickering for student health plan

Staff Report

The University is offering a new student health insurance plan this fall, provided by a company that specializes in plans for institutions of higher education.

Although the majority of undergraduates are dependents of a parent’s health plan, many graduate students must buy their own coverage. The University will continue to offer a graduate student subsidy covering the single premium to those who are eligible.

Dr. James Turner, executive director of the U.Va. Department of Student Health, said U.Va. chose the Chickering Group’s plan because it has particular advantages for students: lower out-of-pocket expenses and travel coverage. Because Chickering partners with Aetna, the largest managed care organization in the U.S., and Magellan, a regional mental health care network, it can offer nationwide access to providers.

There will be an extended open enrollment period through Oct. 1, retroactive to the plan’s effective date of Aug. 25. Chickering has developed Internet and Web-based programs so that applications for enrollment can be submitted online, and a U.Va.-customized Web page is in the works and will be available later this month at http://www.chickering.com.

Again this year, the University will cover the full cost of the single-coverage premium for qualifying graduate teaching, research and administrative assistants and fellowship recipients. Unless otherwise notified, students in the law, medical and business schools do not qualify for the subsidy. Eligibility, which is determined by department, may be granted to graduate students who earn at least $5,000 in one of the specified graduate jobs during the academic year. Students with questions about eligibility should contact their departments.

Information packets, with brochure and application forms, will be mailed to all students in June and July. Representatives of the new plan will participate in all Summer Orientation Resources Fairs and OASIS.