GENERAL QUESTIONS

• Is it mandatory for UH students to have health insurance?
• What kind of health insurance is available to me as a UH student?
• Where can I find more information on the student plan?
• I am a visiting scholar (post-doc); can I purchase the student plan?

UH STUDENT PLAN QUESTIONS

Important for Current Student Plan Members (enrolled during Spring 2013)

• How do I renew my plan for the Summer 2013 session?
• Are there any changes for the upcoming coverage period?

Eligibility

• Who can enroll on the student plan (eligibility)?
• How do I prove that I am eligible for the student plan?
• When do I need to show proof that I am eligibility for the student plan?
• If I withdraw from school, am I still eligible to stay on the student plan?
• Can I stay on the student plan after I graduate from UH?

Plan Benefits & Provider Network

• What are the plan options and benefits of the student plan?
• Can I switch my benefit plan option next semester?
• Is prescription drug benefits covered through the student plan?
• Is dental benefits covered through the student plan?
• Is vision benefits covered through the student plan?
• Can I go to any health care provider?

Plan Rates

• How much does the student plan cost?

Enrollment

• When can I sign up for the student plan and what are the coverage dates?
• Do I have to enroll in the plan for the whole year?
• How can I purchase the student plan?

Dependents

• Does the plan cover dependents?
• When can I add a dependent?
• How do I add a dependent?

Cancellation

• What is the cancellation policy?

Who to Contact

• If I need to speak to someone about the plan who can I call?

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Is it mandatory for UH students to have health insurance?

Health insurance is only mandatory for international students; however, the Student Health Insurance Committee encourages all students to think about their health insurance needs and to enroll in a plan that provides adequate coverage.

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What kind of health insurance is available to me as a UH student?

UH and Chaminade have endorsed HMSA (Hawaii Medical Service Association) as the plan provider for the 2012 – 2013 academic year.

HMSA, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, is a reliable name in Hawaii health care. Established in 1938, they are the largest and most experienced provider of health care coverage in the state. Over half of Hawaii’s population has chosen HMSA for their health care coverage. HMSA was chosen as the current UH endorsed plan based on a combination of cost, benefits, claims payment and customer service.

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Where can I find more information on the student plan?

For complete information about the plan, premiums, eligibility requirements, application form, and a listing of participating providers, go to: www.hmsa.com/portal/student

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I am a visiting scholar (post-doc); can I purchase the student plan?

It may be possible. Certain categories of visiting scholars (domestic or J-1 visa holders) are eligible to purchase the plan. Go to Scholars (Post-docs) for more information.

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UH STUDENT PLAN QUESTIONS

IMPORTANT FOR CURRENT UH STUDENT PLAN MEMBERS (enrolled during Spring 2013):
 
Bill for Summer 2013 Insurance Premiums:  HMSA will mail your bill for the Summer 2013 insurance premium around April 12.  The bill will be mailed to the address that you put on your application form (unless you notified them of any changes after your initial enrollment).

If you still meet the eligibility requirements and would like to continue your Student Health Insurance Plan, simply pay the bill by May 1, 2013.  Payment should be made directly to HMSA with your bill or you can make your payment online starting April 22.  REMINDER:  online payment is by credit card only and also includes an additional $10 processing fee.

IMPORTANT:  If you do not receive your bill by April 22, please contact HMSA’s Customer Service Department at (808) 948-6111.  If you do not pay by May 1, your Student Plan will be cancelled as of May 20, 2013 (last day of coverage May 19, 2013) and you will have to reapply as “new” for the Summer session if you meet the eligibility requirements.

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Are there any changes for the upcoming coverage period?

Any rate and plan changes/updates can be found throughout the year at www.hmsa.com/portal/student

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:: ELIGIBILITY ::


Who can enroll on the student plan (eligibility)?

Students must be enrolled at least half time in the University of Hawaii system (Hilo, Manoa, West Oahu and all community colleges). This means a minimum of six credits (undergraduates) or four credits (graduate students) are required each fall and spring semesters and three credits during the summer session.

Exceptions: Students taking less than the minimum credits required may enroll on the plan if the class(es) being taken are all that is required to graduate. A letter from the student's department/advisor confirming this should be attached and mailed with the HMSA application and payment. Also, one credit of thesis (700) or dissertation (800) research meets the minimum eligibility requirement.

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How do I prove that I am eligible for the student plan?

• Enrolling Online - UH Student ID number is required and HMSA will verify your eligibility with UH.
  
  
• Enrolling by Hard Copy (mail or in person at HMSA) - A copy of your class schedule (with credit hours) for the semester that you are applying for is required (example: if applying for the fall semester, a copy of your fall class schedule is required).
  
  
• Exception - For students taking less than the required minimum credits (because that is all they need to graduate), you need to submit a copy of your class schedule (with credit hours) for the semester that you are applying for (example: if applying for the fall semester, a copy of your fall class schedule is required) AND you also need to submit a letter from your advisor confirming that you only need this class to graduate.

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When do I need to show proof that I am eligibility for the student plan?

Eligibility is checked when you first enroll on the student plan, if you are cancelled and have to reapply for the student plan and every fall.

Please be aware that your eligibility for the student plan is monitored throughout the semester(s).

Periodically HMSA and UH perform a recertification of eligibility which may occur after the semester is already in progress. If UH is not able to confirm your eligibility, HMSA will contact you to request a copy of your current class schedule with credit hours. If you are unable to furnish a copy of your current class schedule or do not have the appropriate number of credit hours, your coverage will be terminated retroactive back to the effective date of the semester. All claims paid on your behalf will be deducted from any refund you may receive.

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If I withdraw from school, am I still eligible to stay on the student plan?

No. You are eligible for student insurance only while enrolled in school and taking the minimum number of credits required. Once you notify HMSA of your withdrawal date, a refund for the coverage paid for but not used will be processed and mailed to you. Go to www.hmsa.com/portal/student for cancellation information.

For those students who are no longer eligible for the UH Student Plan, HMSA does offer an individual conversion plan which you can remain on for up to 6 months. The conversion plan covers medical only and is more expensive than the student plan. Contact HMSA’s Community Sales & Services for more information (808-948-5555).

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Can I stay on the student plan after I graduate from UH?

No. You are eligible for student insurance only while enrolled in school and taking the minimum number of credits required.

For those students who are no longer eligible for the UH Student Plan, HMSA does offer an individual conversion plan which you can remain on for up to 6 months. The conversion plan covers medical only and is more expensive than the student plan. Contact HMSA’s Community Sales & Services for more information (808-948-5555).

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:: PLAN BENEFITS & PROVIDER NETWORK ::

What are the plan options and benefits of the student plan?

*Repatriation coverage is required for international students.

For more details on the plan benefits go to www.hmsa.com/portal/student and click on Benefit Summary and/or Guide to Benefits.

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Can I switch my benefit plan option next semester?

No, you may only change benefit plan options during the annual open enrollment period which is every fall semester.

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Is prescription drug benefits covered through the student plan?

Prescription drug benefits are offered through the Student Plan. You'll receive a broad range of medication choices at a low (or reasonably low) price. To qualify you must also be enrolled in the University of Hawaii/Chaminade Student Medical Plan.

For more information go to www.hmsa.com/portal/student.

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Is dental benefits covered through the student plan?

Dental benefits are offered through the Student Plan. You'll receive comprehensive benefits at an affordable price for cleanings, X-rays, fillings, and major dental services. To qualify you must also be enrolled in the University of Hawaii/Chaminade Student Medical Plan.

For more information go to www.hmsa.com/portal/student.

If all you want is a cleaning, contact the UH School of Dental Hygiene.  As part of their curriculum, the students have to work in the clinic and during the fall and spring semesters they see UH students as well as the general community. There is a flat rate for cleanings and they are located on campus at Hemenway Hall room 200 (2445 Campus Road).  Call 956-8229 for more information.

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Is vision benefits covered through the student plan?

No, vision benefits are not offered through the Student Plan. If you want vision, you can contact other insurance companies (i.e. Vision Service Plan – VSP) for information.

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Can I go to any health care provider?

Yes, but you will pay much less if you go to a HMSA participating provider. The large majority (96%) of health care providers and facilities in Hawaii, except Kaiser, are HMSA participating providers.

Go to www.hmsa.com/portal/student to see a list of HMSA’s participating providers.

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:: PLAN RATES ::

How much does the student plan cost?

*Rates listed above are for the student only.  For additional rates (combination of semesters or 2-party or family rates) go to www.hmsa.com/portal/student and click on Rates.

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:: ENROLLMENT ::

When can I sign up for the student plan and what are the coverage dates?

Enrollment is only accepted during the enrollment dates for each semester. Once the deadline has passed, you will no longer be able to enroll until the next semester.

NOTE:  F-1 international students should enroll before the UH registration and payment deadline since insurance holds will not be cleared until insurance coverage is proven.

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Do I have to enroll in the plan for the whole year?

No, you can enroll by semesters (Fall 8/20-12/31/12; Spring 1/1-5/19/13; Summer 5/20-8/19/13) or a combination of semesters (Fall & Spring or Spring & Summer) or annually (Fall, Spring & Summer).

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How can I purchase the student plan?

There are 2 ways to enroll

1. Online (www.hmsa.com/portal/student)
   UH Student ID number is needed to enroll online. Online enrollment requires payment by credit card (Mastercard or Visa) and a $10 credit card processing fee will be added to your insurance premium.
   
   Scholars (Post-docs) may not apply online.
   
   
2. Hard Copy (mail or in person at HMSA)
   Mail the completed & signed student plan application, USAble Life beneficiary form (if applying for benefit option #2, #4, #6, or #8), a copy of your class schedule (with credit hours) for the semester that you are applying and a check or money order (made payable to HMSA) for the entire semester’s premium to:
   
   HMSA
   6/AMS
   PO Box 860
   Honolulu, HI 96808-0860
   
   Application and beneficiary form can be found at the back of the benefit summary or it can be downloaded from the website (www.hmsa.com/portal/student).

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:: DEPENDENTS ::

Does the plan cover dependents?

Yes, you can purchase either an individual, two-party (student & 1 dependent) or a family plan (3 or more dependents). NOTE: dependent children are covered up to age 26.

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When can I add a dependent?

A dependent can be added to the Student Plan at 3 different times: 1) the same time when the subscriber is enrolling 2) within 31 days of a “life changing” event such as marriage or birth or 3) if you miss the 31 day window, then a dependent can only be added during the annual open enrollment period in July/August (fall semester).

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How do I add a dependent?

Subscriber must submit a letter to HMSA.

Letter must include:

• Subscriber name
• HMSA subscriber number
• Phone number and address
• Action to be taken: add spouse or newborn to plan (also include information below)
  • Spouse – include full name, date of birth & copy of marriage certificate
  • Newborn – include full name, date of birth & copy of birth certificate

Mail letter & documentation to:

HMSA
6 – AMS
Attn: UH/Chaminade Student Plan
PO Box 860
Honolulu, HI 96808-0860

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:: CANCELLATION ::

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellations/refunds will not be processed once the enrollment deadline has passed for each semester. If you want to cancel your coverage prior to the enrollment deadline, you need to submit a letter requesting your cancellation and refund to the address below:

Individuals who drop out of UH will not be covered under this plan and claims will not be paid. Should you withdraw from school & need a refund, you need to submit your request in writing with a letter from your campus registrar documenting your withdrawal date and send it to the address below:

HMSA
6 – AMS
Attn: UH/Chaminade Student Plan
PO Box 860
Honolulu, HI 96808-0860

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:: WHO TO CONTACT ::

If I need to speak to someone about the plan who can I call?

If you are not a student plan member and have a question, need more information or want to apply, you can call HMSA’s Community Sales & Service Dept. at (808) 948-5555.

If you are currently on the student plan and have questions regarding your benefits, claims, or bill you can call HMSA’s Customer Service Dept. at (808) 948-6111 or 1-800-776-4672.

For questions regarding the UH Student Plan or insurance requirement for UH Manoa F-1 international students you can contact the Student Health Insurance Coordinator at (808) 956-5361 or shio@hawaii.edu.

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