bcbs Student Health Plan: How it Works for Students

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The Blue Cross Blue Shield Student Health Plan is designed to provide students with affordable and comprehensive health insurance. This plan is available to students who are enrolled in a degree-granting program at an eligible institution.

Students can enroll in the BCBS Student Health Plan through their school or online. The plan is usually open to students during a specific enrollment period, typically at the start of the academic year.

Premium costs for the BCBS Student Health Plan vary depending on the student's age, location, and other factors. According to the plan's details, students under the age of 26 can expect to pay lower premiums compared to older students.

Plan Details

The BCBS Student Health Plan offers a nationwide provider network, allowing you to access care from a large pool of healthcare professionals.

You can also designate the UMass Boston UHS as your primary care provider, which means you won't have to pay a deductible for covered services.

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The plan includes vision benefits, with one routine eye exam every 24 months, and you can also opt for a voluntary dental plan for additional coverage.

The Spring Health Insurance Deadline is March 1st, 2025, so be sure to enroll or waive the plan by then.

Here are the plan highlights:

  • Nationwide Provider Network: Access BCBS's extensive network.
  • Use UMass Boston UHS as a Primary Care Provider (PCP): No deductible for covered services at UHS.
  • Vision Benefits: One routine eye exam every 24 months.
  • Voluntary Dental Plan: Optional dental coverage is available.

If you're considering waiving the plan, be aware that you can't do so if you're covered by certain types of insurance, such as HMOs, out-of-state Medicaid, or several other out-of-state policies.

For your interest: State Health Plan Nc Bcbs

Insurance and Premiums

In Massachusetts, students enrolled in at least 75% of a full-time curriculum at any institution of higher education must participate in a school-sponsored student health insurance plan or provide proof of comparable coverage.

You'll be automatically billed for the plan if you're eligible, so be sure to check your student account for the charges.

The Massachusetts Student Health Insurance Program, or SHIP, is a requirement for eligible students, and the 2024-2025 Student BCBS Policy Overview is a great resource to learn more about the plan.

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Students with comparable coverage don't need to worry about being automatically billed for the SHIP, but they should still review the plan details to ensure they're meeting the requirements.

Eligible students can expect to be automatically billed for the SHIP, so it's essential to stay on top of your student account to avoid any unexpected charges.

Plan Overview

The BCBS student health plan is designed to provide comprehensive coverage for students.

This plan is available to students enrolled in participating colleges and universities.

The plan offers a range of benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as prescription medication coverage.

Premiums are typically paid by the student or their family, but some colleges and universities may offer financial assistance or subsidies to help cover the cost.

On a similar theme: Bcbs Ppo Dental Coverage

Getting Your Insurance Card

Getting your insurance card is a straightforward process. BCBS will mail your insurance card once you're enrolled in the plan.

You can expect to receive your insurance card in the mail, but if it doesn't arrive, don't worry – you can still access medical services as long as you're in the BCBS eligibility system.

If you lose your insurance card, you can contact BCBS at 888-753-6615 to request a replacement.

Medical Plan Overview

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Understanding your medical plan is key to making the most of your benefits. You can find the details of your plan in the 2024-2025 Medical Plan Design and Benefits Summary.

The Spring Health Insurance Deadline is March 1st, 2025, so be sure to review your plan before then. This will give you time to make any necessary changes or enroll in additional coverage.

If you're covered by BCBS, you have access to their extensive network of providers. You can also use UMass Boston UHS as your primary care provider, which means no deductible for covered services at UHS.

One routine eye exam is covered every 24 months, and you can also opt for additional VSP Vision Care Plan coverage if you need it. If you're interested in dental coverage, you can choose from a voluntary dental plan, but this is optional.

Here's a quick rundown of the benefits you can expect from your medical plan:

Coverage and Network

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To find doctors in your network, visit https://bcm.myahpcare.com/. You can also use MyCare Finder to locate in-network doctors, hospitals, specialists, and pharmacies that are convenient for you.

If you have an on-campus student health center, it's included in the Student health plan network, and any deductibles and copays for services you receive there are waived.

With Capital Blue Cross VirtualCare, you can see doctors remotely for minor illnesses, general medical concerns, counseling, and other services from your phone, tablet, or computer.

Getting Care

You can find in-network doctors, hospitals, specialists, and pharmacies through MyCare Finder, which helps you locate convenient options.

The Student health plan network includes on-campus student health centers, and any deductibles and copays for services received there are waived.

With Capital Blue Cross VirtualCare, you can see doctors remotely for minor illnesses, general medical concerns, counseling, psychology, and psychiatry appointments, as well as nutrition counseling.

You can access care 24/7 by downloading the MDLIVE app, which allows you to have a live consultation with an MDLIVE doctor for non-emergency medical needs.

Expand your knowledge: Tufts Health Plan Join the Network

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A virtual visit appointment with MDLIVE can also include speaking with a licensed counselor, therapist, or psychiatrist for behavioral health needs.

The cost of a virtual visit with MDLIVE is a $10 copay when seeing a Network provider, and 70 percent of the Allowable amount when choosing an Out of Network Provider.

Checking My Doctor Network

Checking your doctor network is a straightforward process.

To start, visit https://bcm.myahpcare.com/ to find a pharmacy or doctor in your network. This will help you determine which doctors are part of your network and can provide coverage for your medical needs.

Loss of Coverage

You're required to have health insurance while enrolled at MCPHS University, and if you lose your coverage due to a qualifying life-changing event, you must contact University Health Plans within 60 days.

To be enrolled in the BCBS SHIP, you'll need to call 833-251-1707 or email [email protected].

Matthew McKenzie

Lead Writer

Matthew McKenzie is a seasoned writer with a passion for finance and technology. He has honed his skills in crafting engaging content that educates and informs readers on various topics related to the stock market. Matthew's expertise lies in breaking down complex concepts into easily digestible information, making him a sought-after writer in the finance niche.

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