Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
STUDENT HEALTH PLAN

2019-2020 Academic Year

Spring Term 2020

The Deadline Date has passed for the Spring 2020 Term.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA) COVID-19 Coverage Updates:

Effective March 7, 2020, BCBSMA is:

• Covering the full cost of diagnostic tests for COVID-19. Students will have no copay, co-insurance or deductible for these tests.
• Waiving co-pays for medically necessary COVID-19 treatment at doctor’s offices, emergency rooms, and urgent care centers.
• Waiving co-pays, co-insurance and deductibles for telehealth benefits (Well Connection) for the screening, evaluation, diagnosis and/or suggested treatment of COVID-19. Telehealth offers convenience as well as the opportunity to avoid potential exposure to contagion. For additional information about telehealth benefits, please visit: https://myblue.bluecrossma.com/health-plan/well-connection 
• Staffing a dedicated helpline (888-372-1970) for all COVID-19 related inquiries. 

This form is for all New Incoming Students for Spring Term 2020.

At Gordon-Conwell, all students registered for 6+ credits at both Hamilton and Boston must enroll in or waive out of the Student Health Plan each academic year. The Student Health Plan for the 2019-2020 Policy Year is a Blue Care Elect Preferred (PPO) Plan from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts.

Before You Begin Making Your Insurance Decision

An appropriate health insurance plan is critical in providing peace of mind knowing that students have comprehensive health care to receive needed services in the event of sickness or injury. It is also necessary to facilitate compliance with Massachusetts state law.

All students registered at least ¾ time (6 credit hours) are required to participate in the Gordon-Conwell sponsored Student Health Insurance Plan unless they submit a waiver that demonstrates alternate coverage. The coverage must be provided by a United States based or Embassy sponsored insurance plan with coverage equal to or better than the GCTS sponsored Student Health Insurance Plan. International insurance plans, travel insurance plans such as ISO, Tokio Marine, International Medical Group, Global Benefit Group, and plans not fully compliant with the Affordable Care Act are not deemed comparable.

You need to identify whether to enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan or if you are eligible to waive based on existing coverage. Although your insurance plan may provide good benefits when you are in your home state or country, it's important to ensure it will adequately cover you in this area while attending school.  If you wish to waive out of the Student Health Insurance Plan, you are responsible to determine that your insurance plan provides coverage to be treated by medical and mental health providers in the area and that it is equal to or better than the Student Health Insurance Plan. If you live outside of Massachusetts, it is highly recommended that you call member services for your insurance provider and ask about your coverage in this area before you waive the insurance.

Before waiving, you should review your current policy to be sure that it provides comparable coverage. In addition to reviewing the Massachusetts state regulations (www.mahealthconnector.org/learn/tools-resources/individuals-families/student-health-insurance), consider the following questions prior to waiving inclusion in the Student Health Plan:

• Will your current plan cover medical care beyond emergency services (i.e. doctor’s office visits; diagnostic testing, labs & x-rays; and prescription drugs) in the Hamilton, MA or Boston, MA area?
• Does your plan have a high deductible that must first be met before your plan will pay for services received?
• Does your health plan have doctors and hospitals in the Hamilton, MA or Boston, MA area?
• If you are able to receive care, will you have to pay upfront and then seek reimbursement?
• Does your current plan provide coverage from January 15, 2020 through August 31, 2020?

Once you’ve determined whether to enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan or waive, you will need to complete the appropriate online form. The online Waiver Form or Enrollment Form will notify Gordon-Conwell of your insurance decision. In order to waive coverage make sure you have a copy of your current health insurance card, as this card contains the information you’ll need in order to waive the insurance plan:

• Name of your Insurance Company
• Address of your Insurance Company
• Telephone Number (please provide the customer service number if available)
• Group and/or Policyholder Number
• Name of Policyholder
• Policyholder’s ID Number
• Expiration Date, if any

Notice to Students Who Are Not Waiving:
If you opt to enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan, please complete the online Enrollment form to expedite the processing of your insurance plan and to elect coverage for your dependents.