Student health insurance and services provides Hawks with alternative options
UHCL offers student health insurance through United Health Care. If a student has insurance through UHCL, he or she does not need to pay a copay to visit the clinic, the visit is covered at 100 percent. The plan available here at UHCL covers visits to a primary care physician to treat an injury or illness, a specialist visit (i.e. endocrinologist), preventive care/screening/immunization, and diagnostic testing and imaging.
This plan typically does not cover services like cosmetic surgery, weight loss programs, long-term care, routine foot care, acupuncture, bariatric surgery, hearing aids, private-duty nursing, dental care, or non-emergency care when traveling outside the U.S. Although the health care plan that UHCL offers through United Health Care does not include dental insurance, students have the option to enroll in a dental plan using a standalone dental care plan through Cigna Delta, which is also made available through UHCL.
Some of the requirements to purchase this student health insurance include: Undergraduate students taking six or more credit hours (three hours for summer session) and graduate students taking three or more credit hours are eligible to enroll in this insurance plan.
International students with F or J visa status are automatically enrolled in this insurance plan at registration unless proof of comparable coverage is furnished. Also, the insured student must actively attend classes for at least the first 31 days after the date for which coverage is purchased. Eligible students who do enroll may also insure their dependents.
Eligible Dependents are the student’s legal spouse or domestic partner and dependent children under 26 years of age. See the “Who Is Covered” section for the specific requirements needed to meet domestic partner eligibility.
Many students are covered under their parents’ health insurance plan until the age of 26. So, say for instance, when students are on their parents’ insurance plan and their 26th birthday occurs during a closed, open enrollment season, those students can go to https://uhcl.myahpcare.com/benefits and under the “enrollment” tab and click on the “Qualifying Event Enrollment Form” link which is specifically for applicable for the life event of aging off parent’s plan. Supporting documentation is required.
Although there is only one plan type available, there are different time frames to choose from to stay covered with the university’s health insurance. Annual coverage, for example, is Aug. 27, 2018 through Aug. 26, 2019.
The fall semester is covered during Aug. 27, 2018 through Dec. 31, 2018 for domestic students, and Aug. 1, 2018 through Dec. 31, 2018 for international students.
The spring/summer coverage lasts from Jan. 1, 2019 through Aug. 26, 2019 for domestic or international students. The summer coverage lasts during June 1, 2019 through Aug. 26, 2019.
The cost for annual coverage among domestic students and international students doesn’t vary too much, they are both about $2,340 per person. However, domestic students are given the option to pay in monthly installments, whereas international students must pay the entire amount at the time of registering for the coverage.
“I think it’s great that UHCL offers health care, but when the initial payment is about $500 and each monthly payment is $200+, it’s still challenging, nearly impossible, for a college student to make ends meet,” said Tatiana Barton, education major. “I’m on a college student’s salary, and sure it’s cheaper than other health insurance plans. But ‘cheaper’ is still too expensive.”
If a student cannot afford the healthcare plans provided through UHCL, there are other resources available on campus.
“It’s beneficial for even the students who don’t have health insurance because it’s convenient, on campus, and many of the services you already paid for in your student services fee,” said Laura Thomas, RN in UHCL’s health services. “For a self-pay patient, here at the clinic, the starting cost of a visit is $35, whereas if you go to any of the physicians or urgent care clinics, the visit costs start at about $90. So, it’s definitely a more affordable option.”
UHCL offers nursing assessments with registered nurses at no cost to any self-pay patients. These assessments may include first aid, health consulting and education, blood pressure screenings, and more. Walk-ins are welcome.
Students with routine medical problems may be evaluated and treated on a walk-in basis. An appointment is necessary for students requiring physician services. If you are a self-pay patient, it ranges between $35-$53 for any doctor’s visit to the clinic on campus at UHCL.
For the convenience of the students, UHCL also has a pharmacy on campus that is stocked with oral contraceptives and antibiotics. Health Services also offers vaccines and immunizations for students and staff. All students are encouraged to seek information regarding health and well-being in the areas of preventive medical care. Health literature is available in the Health Center.
For lady Hawks: the Women’s Health Clinic offers complete gynecological services to students including pap tests, breast exams, contraception, and hormone therapy. Consultations and tests for various forms of vaginitis, sexually transmitted diseases, and pregnancy are available.
For both male and female Hawks, STD and safe sex education are provided with low-cost testing. Chiropractic sessions are sponsored by the Health Center and are available to all students, faculty and staff. The chiropractor, Dr. Osiel Peña from the Texas Chiropractic College, is available for limited appointments during fall and spring semesters.
Be sure to call the Health Center in advance to schedule your appointment. For non-chiropractic needs, stop by Health Services during office hours. Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Fridays 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
