University of Virginia Elson Student Health Center

Aetna Student Health Insurance

Student Health Insurance Committee
Aetna Student Health Insurance
Insurance Requirements and Enforcement Policies
Premiums and Payment Options
International Student Hard Waiver Program
Graduate Student Subsidy
Eligibility for Services at Student Health Center
Dental Program
Contact Information

Aetna Student Health, formerly known as The Chickering Group, administers the University of Virginia student health insurance plan. Aetna Student Health has more than 29 years of experience in student health insurance. It employs more than 300 individuals focused on all aspects of student health insurance. Aetna Student Health partners with approximately 200 colleges and universities on a fully-insured basis and is the largest student health administrator in the country. It proudly points to the fact that it has retained 97% of college clients and 97% of students for 2007-2008 academic year and that it insures more than 480,000 students and dependents nationwide. Aetna Student Health members are provided access to preferred providers through the nationwide Aetna network.

In 2001-2002, Aetna Student Health, then known as The Chickering Group, was first selected to administer the University’s student health plan following an open and competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process. The selection committee consisted of University faculty, students, and administrators. Aetna Student Health was awarded a three-year contract, which expired on August 24, 2005. The contract included an option that permitted two one-year renewal periods. The University exercised both options for renewal, causing the original contract to expire in August 2007.

In 2006, the University conducted another open and competitive RFP for the student health plan. The selection committee, which again consisted of University faculty, students and administrators, awarded Aetna Student Health the contract for the 2007-2008 plan year with annual options for renewal over the next 14 years. Following comprehensive review of the plan and negotiations to ensure a competitive rate, the University exercised its first option for renewal by executing a contract with Aetna Student Health for the 2008-2009 plan year. Following the same process, the University exercised its second option for renewal for the 2009-2010 plan year.

When and why did The Chickering Group become Aetna Student Health?
The Chickering Group, an Aetna company, has been doing business under Aetna’s name since its acquisition in 2003, but the two groups have been collaborating within an exclusive partnership since 1997. An additional step in the natural progression is Chickering’s name change to Aetna Student Health, effective March 31, 2008.

Aetna is a nationally recognizable brand to students and parents and providers across the country. At times, there were two brand names on materials and ID cards, which could be confusing. This change:

strengthens brand identity;
increases recognition; and,
easily communicates the student insurance plan to clients, students, parents and providers.

Chickering has long been the industry leader in providing student health insurance services and is well known by colleges and universities, but Aetna’s national brand is very familiar to students and parents. There is no change in Chickering’s business structure as a result of this name change.

Must students enroll in the Aetna Student Health?
No.

Are all student classifications at the University of Virginia eligible to purchase the Aetna Student Health plan?
No. Only students who pay the comprehensive student fee with access to Student Health are eligible to purchase the Aetna Student Health plan. Any student with questions regarding eligibility should contact Student Health Medical Records at 924-1525. Please note that non-resident and non-degree-seeking students are not eligible to purchase the Aetna Student Health plan. Students enrolled in the School of Continuing and Professional Studies and certain special degree programs, including the Darden MBA for Executives, Commerce MIT (16 months), Commerce MIS graduate plans, and the BIS undergraduate plan, are not eligible to purchase the Aetna Student Health plan.

If I have the U.Va.-sponsored Aetna Student Health Plan, do I need a Primary Care Physician (PCP)?
No. Aetna Student Health partners with Aetna's national PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) with more than 874,000 providers, pharmacies, and facilities, including the care providers at Student Health. Students insured by Aetna Student Health can minimize out-of-pocket cost by using Student Health where students will NOT be charged the $20 visit co-payment; lab or radiological tests ordered by Student Health physicians and any services/supplies (except Pharmacy) provided at Student Health will be covered at 100%. With other participating Aetna providers, a $20 co-payment is customary for each visit; diagnostic services are covered at 80%. You may seek treatment from a non-preferred provider or facility at higher out-of-pocket costs.

As a student insured by the Aetna Student Health Plan, do I need to obtain a Student Health referral before seeing a specialist -- Dermatology or Orthopedics for example?
No. Referrals are not required with the Aetna Student Health Plan but students are encouraged to come to Student Health for continuity of care.

Under the Aetna Student Health Plan am I covered for medical treatment while studying or traveling abroad?
Yes. If you are enrolled in the Aetna Student Health Plan no matter where you travel as a student, you are covered 24-hours, worldwide. You will receive an On Call International Card, which makes you automatically eligible for additional travel services. For more information, go online or review your Aetna Student Health Insurance Plan booklet.

Does the Aetna Student Health Plan cover substance abuse and mental illness treatment?
Yes. If medically necessary, substance abuse and mental illness will be covered. Generally, the extent of coverage may depend on what type of treatment is provided on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Refer to your insurance brochure which may be found at http://www.uvastudentinsurance.com or call the number on your student identification card. You may also call Student Health Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at (434) 924-5556.

What is the easiest way to enroll in the Aetna Student Health Plan?
Student may enroll on-line.

What is the U.Va. Aetna Student Health Policy Number?
The policy number is 812806.

Where can I obtain additional information about the Aetna Student Health Student Insurance Plan?
Aetna Student Health's website is http://www.uvastudentinsurance.com or call U.Va.'s Aetna Student Health Customer Services Department at 1-800-466-3027. You may also stop by the U.Va. Student Health Center and pick up information at either the Information Desk or with the Insurance Liaison and Referral Coordinator.

Maintained by: studenthealth@virginia.edu
Last Modified: Thursday, 02-Apr-2009 08:25:30 EDT
© 2002 by the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia