Reason for Policy

The high cost of health care in the United States presents a potentially serious health risk and financial risk to students and their accompanying dependents. The absence of adequate insurance coverage can result in temporary or permanent interruption of a student’s education.  The university is committed to offering student health insurance that provides access to quality health care and achieves a balance between premium cost and adequate coverage without overburdening students’ financial resources.  This balance is best achieved through a mandatory/hard waiver insurance program that mitigates the effect of adverse selection.

 

Policy Statement

 

 

General Requirements

 

All full-time students are required to carry health insurance and will be assessed a charge for the individual basic mandatory plan offered through the university student health insurance program.  The charge will appear on the invoice of the first semester of attendance in the academic cycle.  The student is required to take one of the following three actions:

1.        Enroll in the basic plan as charged.

2.        Upgrade the benefit plan by enrolling in the enhanced student health insurance options during the open enrollment period.

3.        Apply for a waiver from the mandatory plan.

 

Requirements for Waiver

 

Application for waiver from the university student health insurance plan must be made to Student Health Services by the last day of the open enrollment period.  Students applying for waiver must provide documentation of continuing coverage verifying that they are enrolled as the dependent, partner/spouse or principal in an employer or government-sponsored insurance plan.  Additionally, the plan must meet minimum standards for coverage as set forth below:

·         It must offer at least 75% coverage for inpatient and outpatient medical services in the Pittsburgh area.

·         It must include mental health benefits.

·         The deductible must not exceed $500 per accident or illness.       

·         It must offer medical benefits of at least $50,000 per accident or illness.

·         It must cover pre-existing conditions.

 

Contact

Questions should be directed to Student Health Services, 8-2157.