Eastern Nazarene College
STUDENT ACCIDENT & SICKNESS INSURANCE PROGRAM
2010-2011 Academic Year
July, 2010
Dear Students and Parents,
Eastern Nazarene College (ENC) is committed to promoting good health and meeting the medical needs of its students. A health insurance plan is critical in providing peace of mind knowing that students can receive the services they need in the event of a sickness or injury.
Massachusetts State Law mandates that all students who are full-time and three-quarters time carry adequate medical insurance to help cover the extra expenses of medical treatment. The Eastern Nazarene College Student Accident and Sickness Insurance Plan provides coverage to students for a 12-month period-August 15, 2010, through August 14, 2011. The plan includes a local and national network of preferred providers and is designed to be an affordable option.
Although many families may have some form of insurance, it's important to ensure that students are adequately covered while attending schools. All too often situations arise in which a student requires medical or mental health care beyond what is available at ENC’s Health Services and discover that their insurance covers them only in the event of an emergency or in their home geographic region. This frequently results in students needing to take an otherwise unnecessary leave of absence from college to return home to get the treatment they need.
Can I waive the college sponsored health insurance plan?
A student may waive participation in the Plan and have this charge removed from their student account by submitting an online waiver form at www.universityhealthplans.com by Wednesday, September 15, 2010. No refunds are granted after this date. New students coming in the Spring, 2011 semester must submit their waiver by January 24, 2011.
Student athletes need to complete a different waiver by August 1. New student athletes, coming in Spring, 2011 must submit a waiver by January 24, 2011.
 
You are responsible to determine that your alternative insurance plan includes all benefits mandated by Massachusetts law and is then determined ‘comparable’. The web site to see what is determined comparable is http://www.state.ma.us/dhcfp/ Click on link entitled Student Health Insurance at this site. It is important to note that this includes having access to health services in the area where the school is located and covers a minimum of $50,000.
Please note, according to Massachusetts regulations, it is the responsibility of the student to determine that an alternative plan is comparable.
Students are provided an opportunity each year to review decisions regarding enrollment or waiver from the college sponsored student health insurance plan.
To assist you in making an informed decision regarding your student's health insurance needs, here are some general questions to ask your current health plan to ensure it provides adequate coverage:
Does your current health plan . . .
- . . . provide coverage while in the area of the Eastern Nazarene College campus? Many HMO plans provide coverage for emergency treatment only while out-of-area of the local HMO.
- . . . cover your daughter/son as long as they are a registered student at ENC ? Most employer plans drop dependents at a certain age or if a parent has a job change.
- . . . cover mental health services? Many employer-sponsored plans provide very limited coverage for mental health services.
- . . . provide coverage anywhere in the world, including medical evacuation and repatriation benefits while the student is away from campus for academics, research, work or vacation? Many employer-sponsored plans will only provide coverage while in the United States, and most do not include any medical evacuation or repatriation benefits.
- . . . include a nationwide network of preferred providers, guaranteeing acceptance of your insurance plan and reducing the student's out-of-pocket expenses? Many employer-sponsored plans are managed-care plans with a regionally based preferred provider network.
- . . . include prescription drug coverage? Many employer-sponsored plans do not provide prescription drug coverage, or only very limited benefits available at certain local pharmacies.
With the college sponsored student health plan, we have access to locally established providers and referrals the college has either partnered with or referred to, including the Manet Community Health Center (MCHC). MCHC provides ENC with quality medical care in close proximity to the school.
While the majority of students' health issues can be met by ENC’s Health Services, there are times when outside specialists or additional consultation is warranted. At such times, the Student Accident and Sickness Plan sponsored by the College provides coverage worldwide and allows students to seek care from any licensed provider. Students also have access to a nationwide preferred provider network, as well as a national network of member pharmacies.
Students who determine that they have existing comparable coverage will need to complete the on-line waiver by September 15 (August 1 for athletes). It is your responsibility to carefully compare your current insurance plan with that offered by Eastern Nazarene College to ensure the coverage is truly comparable. By completing the waiver process, you are attesting to the fact that you are familiar with both plans and will be responsible for providing for your student’s medical and/or mental health needs should your own insurance prove insufficient. If you choose not to waive the plan, do not have comparable health insurance, or do not complete the online waiver by the deadline, you will be required to purchase the Student Accident and Sickness Plan and will be automatically enrolled.
We encourage you to read the information provided and take the time to make an informed decision regarding your health coverage. If you have questions regarding the Student Accident and Sickness Plan, please contact University Health Plans Inc. at 1.800.437.6448, by email at info@univhealthplans.com or visit our website at www.universityhealthplans.com .
Sincerely,
Janie Graves
Finance Office Assistant
Eastern Nazarene College
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