"What's the chance of me coming down
with a major disease or illness? I'm too young for something like that to
happen. If I get really sick, I guess I could go to the student health center.
But, if I had to go to the hospital I don't know how it would be paid
for." |
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College Student
Parents
If your child is a full-time student living at home or
away at school, your
health
insurance may cover him or her up to age 25. Check with your current plan
to determine the age limit. If your son or daughter is living away from home,
be sure to ask the following questions:
- If your insurance is through a
health maintenance organization (HMO),
does the plan's service area cover the region where your child will be living?
If not, what coverage options are available? You may only be covered for
emergency care.
- If the plan is a
preferred provider organization (PPO),
how strong is the network of providers in the
area where your child will be living?
- Does the plan cover emergency room visits without
your prior approval? What are you required to do if your child is hospitalized?
Which hospitals and urgent care facilities can he or she use?
- Are any outpatient or preventative services
covered? If you have chosen a primary care physician or medical group at home, should you choose a new provider where the
school is located?
Before sending your college student off to school:
- Give your child a copy of his or her health
insurance card.
- Make sure your child has the contact information
for your health insurance plan to call for
emergency treatment authorization.
NOTE: If your plan is an HMO that does not offer coverage in the area where
your child will be living while in school, you may be able to change
health insurance plans due to "living outside of
the service area." If this is the case, contact your employee benefits office
right away to make the necessary changes.
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