University Of Virginia Chooses Chickering For Student Health Plan

May 15, 2002-- 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.

"Health insurance is a complicated business, so with advice from our Student Health Insurance Committee, especially the student members, we selected Chickering’s plan as one that the University can endorse with confidence," said Dr. James Turner, executive director of the U.Va. Department of Student Health.

Turner 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 United States, 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, "The Student Connection."

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, medicine 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.

Highlights of the plan, which has a few additions and changes to the current one, include:

• $1,070 single-buyer annual premium, with coverage for dependents available at $2,683 for the student plus spouse; $2,452 for the student and a single child, $3,094 for the student and children, $4,065 for the student, spouse and a child or $4,707 for the student; spouse and children.

• A monthly payment option is available, with coverage for a single buyer at $90 and for dependents at $224 for student and spouse, $205 for student and single child, $258 for student and children, $339 for student, spouse and single child and $392 for student, spouse and children.

• Elimination of the requirements of selecting a primary care provider and getting a referral to a specialist referral;

• No co-insurance or co-pay for services at the Student Health Center;

• Travel assistance coverage with unlimited medical evacuation and repatriation benefits along with medical and information services;

• Separate coverage for students who have other health insurance but need travel assistance and/or medical evacuation and repatriation coverage for study abroad, etc., at $25 per year;

• Two tiers of co-pay for prescription drugs – $10 for generic and $30 for brand name – but no mail order prescription benefit;

• Additional dental coverage with the following options: $155 a year for a single student premium, $270 for student and child, $310 for student and spouse, $440 for student and all children, and $535 for family. The annual maximum dental coverage is higher, at $750.

• $1 million maximum per condition.

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.

Contact: Alison Montgomery, (434) 924-5471

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Contact the Office of University Relations at (434) 924-7116. Television reporters should contact the TV News Office at (434) 924-7550.

SOURCE: U.Va. News Services

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Last Modified: Wednesday, 15-May-2002 12:21:46 EDT
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