24-25 SMC Student Insurance Presentation

Summary

This presentation highlights the significance of medical insurance for international students in the US, emphasizing the high costs of healthcare without coverage. Students at SMC are automatically enrolled in a comprehensive, affordable plan through Academic Health Plans. The plan covers up to $500,000 per year after a $200 deductible, with various co-pays for different services. It includes additional benefits like dental cleanings, virtual visits, and prescription drug coverage. GeoBlue's mobile app and customer service assist with claims and provider searches, ensuring students receive necessary care without financial burden.

Takeaways

• 🏥 Medical insurance is crucial in the U.S. due to the high costs of healthcare services.
• 💸 The U.S. healthcare system requires payment for services out-of-pocket without adequate insurance.
• 💳 SMC automatically enrolls students in medical insurance upon payment, and dependents can be added.
• 📧 After enrollment, students receive a welcome email from GeoBlue to download their ID card.
• 📱 GeoBlue offers a free mobile app for convenience in managing insurance and healthcare needs.
• 🏢 For non-emergency medical concerns, start with the on-campus Student Health Center or contracted Blue Cross Blue Shield providers.
• 🚑 In life-threatening emergencies, call 911 or go directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.
• 🔍 'In-network' refers to healthcare providers contracted with Blue Cross Blue Shield, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
• 💼 GeoBlue assists with claim submissions, and it takes about 30 days for processing.
• 💊 The insurance plan covers up to $500,000 per year after a $200 annual deductible, with specific co-pays for different services.
• 🌐 Additional benefits include dental coverage for cleanings and basic services, and virtual medical visits through Academic Live Care.

Q & A

Why is medical insurance crucial for international students in the United States?

Medical insurance is crucial because the US healthcare system is expensive and complicated. Without adequate insurance, students would have to pay for medical services out of pocket, which can be costly.

What are the average costs for common medical services in the US?

The average cost of an emergency room visit is over $2,000, ambulance rides average from $390 to $1,450, and a doctor's office visit ranges from $150 to $300.

How does SMC's insurance plan offer financial protection to students?

SMC's insurance plan offers financial protection by covering high costs associated with medical services, ensuring students can continue their studies without financial strain due to medical expenses.

How do students get enrolled in SMC's medical insurance plan?

Students are automatically enrolled in the insurance plan once they pay for it on their SMC student account.

Can students enroll their dependents in the insurance plan, and if so, how?

Yes, students can enroll their dependents, which include a spouse, domestic partner, and dependent children up to age 26, by using a credit card on the Academic Health Plan website.

What is the significance of the welcome email from GeoBlue?

The welcome email from GeoBlue signifies that the student's ID card is ready to be downloaded, which is necessary for accessing healthcare services.

Where can students find contracted Blue Cross Blue Shield providers?

Students can find contracted providers by visiting GeoBlue's website or using the GeoBlue mobile app, and searching with their plan prefix QHS.

What does 'in-network' mean in the context of insurance, and why is it important?

In-network refers to healthcare providers that are contracted with the insurance company, Blue Cross Blue Shield in this case. It's important because using in-network providers can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.

What are the co-pay amounts for different types of medical visits under the SMC insurance plan?

The plan has a $25 co-pay for office and specialist visits, a $50 co-pay for urgent care visits, and a $100 emergency room visit co-pay, which is waived if admitted to the hospital.

How does the claims process work with the SMC insurance plan?

After visiting a contracted provider, they will submit a claim to the insurance company. It takes approximately 30 days for processing, and then an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) is sent to the student, detailing what was paid and any amount owed.

What is the annual maximum benefit for the SMC insurance plan?

The plan covers up to $500,000 per year of medical charges after the $200 annual deductible is met.

What additional benefits are included in the SMC medical insurance plan?

The plan includes additional benefits such as two teeth cleanings, basic restored services up to $750 annually, an annual women's cervical screening and breast exam, limited immunizations, maternity coverage, and prescription drug coverage with a maximum benefit of $3,000 per plan year.