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Student Health Insurance Plan

Spring/Summer 2023 Waiver/Enrollment Period

Now Open

MUSC’s school sponsored health insurance administered by Academic HealthPlans (AHP) and underwritten by Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina insurance is officially open.

MUSC requires all students to maintain health insurance as a condition of enrollment. You are encouraged to choose an insurance plan that best meets your needs. Your tuition account will be automatically charged each semester for the new school-sponsored student health insurance plan through BlueCross BlueShield. The premium for the Spring/Summer term is $1,722.26. 

If you already have health care coverage through other sources, you must complete the online waiver process by February 3rd to remove the insurance charge from your bill. If you intend to enroll in the student health insurance plan, you must enroll through AHP January 1st to start receiving benefits on January 1, 2023.

All students need to login to the student health insurance system through AHP and follow the “waive” or “enroll” instructions.

Spring/Summer coverage period: January 1, 2023 –July 31, 2023

Spring/Summer premium: $1,722.26 ($246 per month)

Final deadline to waive: February 3, 2023

Please note, if you neither waive nor enroll in the student health plan, you will automatically be enrolled after the posted deadline (February 3). The Spring/Summer deadline to waive is February 3, 2023. The insurance premium is non-refundable after this deadline.

What does the student health insurance plan include? (Medical, Dental, Vision)

Student Health Insurance Plan Information

Insurance cards
Please be sure to carry your insurance card with you at all times. You can obtain an electronic ID card in the My Health ToolKit

Enrollment for spouses and dependents
Students who are enrolled in the school-sponsored plan may also enroll spouses and dependents under the plan by paying AHP directly.

Academic Health Plans/Blue Cross Blue Shield

AHP Customer Service:

MUSC Student Health Insurance Contact Information and Other Resource Links

INSTRUCTIONS:

To Waive Out of Student Insurance/Provide Proof of Insurance

The waiver process must be completed each semester to remain effective. Before you begin, please make sure you have your current insurance card and nine-digit Student ID number available (also known as “PVID” number which starts with 900XXXXXX).  Your PVID may be found 24/7 through the MUSC Student Portal.

  • Have an electronic copy of your current insurance card
  • Go to: My AHP Care website
  • Select the ‘Click here to waive or enroll’ link.

Login to the system by using the following:

  • Student ID– 9-digit MUSC PVID (Ex: 900XXXXXX)
  • Password-Date of Birth in MMDDYYYY format(Ex: 01011990). Please change your password after initial login.
  • Select the ‘Sign In’ button.
  • On the home page, select the red “WAIVE” button from the "I Already Have Health Insurance" section.
  • Enter your insurance information and attach your required documentation.
  • Enter your insurance information and attach your required documentation.
  • Select the ‘Submit Waiver’ button at the bottom of the waiver form.
  • You will receive a confirmation email when your waiver has successfully been submitted. Please keep this for your records.
  • You will receive additional emails pertaining to the status of your waiver request.
  • For questions, please visit AHP Care Help

Requirements for waiver approval:

  • Plan must be fully compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA):
  • Provide the Essential Minimum Benefits required by the ACA with no annual limits.  A list of the Essential Minimum Benefits can be found here: Essential Minimum Benefits
  • Contain no exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
  • Covers 100% of Preventive Care as defined by the ACA.  View a list of these preventive services.
  • Coverage must be effective on or before January 1, 2023.
  • Coverage must extend through the semester including breaks and holidays.
  • Plan must provide full benefit coverage in the state of South Carolina.  Plans with emergency coverage only will be denied.
  • International Students: Proof of Repatriation and medical evacuation expenses in the combined amount of no less than $50,000.  If the health plan does not include medical evacuation and repatriation, a rider must be purchased providing coverage at equal limits to the SHIP.

NOTE: The following plan(s) will NOT be acceptable for waiver approval:

  • Healthcare Sharing Plans are not accepted.
  • Short-term coverage plans are not accepted.
  • Financial Assistance plans are not accepted.
  • Travel plans or plans that require you to pay for treatment yourself and then apply for reimbursement are not accepted.

To Purchase and Enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan

Students taking 6 or more credit hours and enrolled in a degree seeking program are eligible to purchase student insurance. Before you begin, please make sure you have your current insurance card and nine-digit Student ID number available (also known as “PVID” number which starts with 900XXXXXX).  Your PVID may be found 24/7 through the MUSC Student Portal.

  • Go to My AHP Care Enrollment
  • Select the ‘Click here to waive or enroll’ link.
  • Login to the system by using the following:
  • Student ID– 9-digit MUSC PVID (Ex: 900XXXXXX)
  • Password-Date of Birth in MMDDYYYY format(Ex: 01011990). Please change your password after initial login.
  • Select the ‘Sign In’ button.
  • On the home page, click the "ENROLL" button under the “I Need Health Insurance” section.
  • Read the Terms and Conditions.
  • If you accept them, enter your initials in the box and select the ‘OK button’.
  • For questions, please visit AHP Care Help

Enrollment for Spouses and Dependents:

Students who are enrolled in the school-sponsored plan may also enroll spouses and dependents under the plan by paying Academic Health Plans directly during open enrollment or due to a qualifying event.

To access your PVID in the Student Life Portal

screenshot of PVID in Student Life Portal

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Why do I need health insurance?
  2. Will I be charged for Student Health Insurance?
  3. How much does the Student Health Insurance Plan cost?
  4. Why is the spring premium higher than the fall premium?
  5. Do I need to complete any enrollment forms to be enrolled in the Health Plan?
  6. What is meant by a "hard waiver"?
  7. What if I am already covered by health insurance and the fee for the Student Health Insurance Plan is added to my tuition fees?
  8. What are MUSC’s requirements for alternate insurance coverage that would qualify for a waiver?
  9. What are the requirements for International Students?
  10. How do I submit a waiver?
  11. How will I know when the insurance charge is removed from my account?
  12. My program is located off campus in another city or state. Will I still be able to use the Student Health Insurance Plan?
  13. May I add my dependents to my Student Health Insurance Plan?
  14. Can I enroll myself or my dependents after the open enrollment period ends?
  15. Can I waive out of the MUSC Student Health Insurance Plan after the waiver period has closed?
  16. What is open enrollment and what are the dates for open enrollment?
  17. Are premiums prorated if enrollment is outside of the open enrollment period?
  18. When will I get my insurance card?
  19. Will the Student Health Insurance Plan cover me if I go to any doctor?
  20. Am I still covered by the Student Health Insurance Plan if I am not enrolled for any classes during the summer?
  21. If I am not enrolled for any classes during the summer, why do I still have to pay for insurance during those months?
  22. Does my insurance coverage end on the day I graduate?
  23. Where can I find a list of doctors and hospitals who are in-network providers?
  24. Does the Student Health Insurance Plan cover dental?
  25. Does the Student Health Insurance Plan cover vision?
  26. Does the student plan include Mental Telehealth?
  27. Does the Student Health Plan cover other wellness and preventive services?
  28. Are there exclusions in the insurance plan?
  29. Contact Information

 

1. Why do I need health insurance?

Our six college deans, recognizing the potential impact of healthcare debt and/or disability on a student’s career if the student becomes seriously ill or injured, made insurance a condition of enrollment.

MUSC is committed to providing the highest quality health care to students. Our team of medical experts will work with you to enhance your health and well-being and ultimately, help you achieve your personal and academic goals.

2. Will I be charged for Student Health Insurance?

Yes. MUSC has a hard waiver requirement. Each semester the insurance charge is added to the accounts of all eligible MUSC students. To be eligible, a student must be enrolled in 6 or more hours and in a degree seeking program. However, if you have creditable insurance coverage from another source, you can complete the online waiver process before the deadline (each semester). Once your waiver information is verified and approved, the insurance charge will be removed from your account.

Important: A completed, verified and approved WAIVER is required each semester for students who do not wish to participate in the school sponsored Student Health Insurance Plan. Upon completion of the waiver form, a student will automatically receive an email notifying him/her of a pending waiver.

3. How much does the Student Health Plan cost?

The rates vary slightly year to year.

4. Why is the spring premium higher than the fall premium?

The fall premium covers August 1-December 31 or 153 days (42% of the year). The spring/summer premium covers January 1 – July 31 or 212 days (58% of the year).

5. Do I need to complete any enrollment forms to enroll in the Student Health Plan?

Yes, you need to enroll through the Academic Health Plans website before the coverage period begins to ensure benefits are activated on the first date of the coverage period. Because health insurance is required at MUSC, you will be automatically enrolled and charged if you do not enroll or waive by the deadline given each semester. Waiting for the automatic enrollment process to occur will delay access to benefits.   

6. What is meant by a "hard waiver"?

A hard waiver program is one where students must be enrolled in an external verified/approved health insurance plan or in the Student Health Insurance Plan. Each semester, students are required and encouraged to review their enrollment status for the Student Health Insurance Plan. Students have the option of submitting a waiver if the student has coverage from another source and that coverage meets certain criteria.

7. What if I am already covered by insurance and I am charged?

During the enrollment/waiver period, students who have adequate health insurance coverage through a parent, spouse, or an individual plan, can waive out of the health insurance requirement by providing proof of insurance coverage in a comparable health insurance plan through the online waiver system.

If the student does not waive out of the sponsored plan by the deadline date each semester, he/she will be automatically enrolled in the MUSC Student Health Insurance Plan and billed through Student Accounting.

8. What are MUSC’s requirements for alternate insurance coverage that would qualify for a waiver?

Alternate health insurance plans are reviewed to determine if a plan is comparable to MUSC’s Student Health Insurance Plan. MUSC has identified the following criteria are to be applied in making this determination:

  • Coverage must be effective on or before January 1 (spring) or May 1 (new summer students only) or August 1 (fall) and extend through the semester including breaks and holidays
  • Coverage must be ACA compliant and allow the insured student to receive services in South Carolina (note – these are requirements for all plans according to the Patient Protection Affordable Care Act; online students physically located outside of South Carolina during the semester may be granted an exception if all other criteria are met)
  • See Full List
  • NOTE: The following plan(s) will NOT be acceptable for waiver approval:
    • Healthcare Sharing Plans are not accepted.
    • Short-term coverage plans are not accepted.
    • Financial Assistance plans are not accepted.
    • Travel plans or plans that require you to pay for treatment yourself and then apply for reimbursement are not accepted.

9. What are the requirements for International Students?

In addition to the coverage requirements listed for all students (see #8 above), international students must have Global Emergency Services coverage that includes a combined benefit of US $50,000 for medical evacuation and repatriation of remains (for international students).

For convenience, International students with insurance plans from other sources that meet all the requirements except for the minimum Global Emergency Services (GES) coverage may purchase just GES coverage through the waiver and enrollment online system.

The University-sponsored Student Health Insurance Plan through Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina meets all additional insurance requirements for international students and dependents.

10. How do I submit a waiver?

Waivers can only be processed online and only during the specified dates.

You will need the following information to complete the waiver:

  • Student ID (PVID) number
  • Name and Address of the insurance company
  • Policy holder’s name (main person’s name owning the plan)
  • Policy / Member ID number
  • Group number
  • Policy holder’s zip code (the billing address zip code)
  • Insurance Company’s customer service telephone number
  • Copy of the front and back of your insurance card

11. How will I know when the insurance charge is removed from my account?

Each semester the insurance charge is automatically added to the accounts of all eligible MUSC students. When an eligible student completes the online waiver and receives approval, the insurance charge will be reversed.

12. My program is located off campus in another city or state. Will I still be able to use the Student Health Insurance Plan?

If your program is located off campus, you will be able to enroll and use the insurance.

Deductibles and co-pays will apply to visits. You will be able to use your insurance card as a pharmacy card for prescriptions, subject to deductibles and co-pays.

13. Can I add my dependents to my Student Health Insurance Plan?

Students enrolling in the Student Health Insurance Plan can enroll eligible dependents during an Open Enrollment period for an additional premium payment. Payment cannot be made through your MUSC billing account. Premiums must be paid to AHP directly.  You can add dependents while completing an online enrollment or if you have already enrolled, you can add dependents through your online account up to the last day of Open Enrollment. For more information, contact Academic Health Plans at 855-850-4302.

14. Can I enroll myself or my dependents after the open enrollment period ends?

There are some circumstances when individuals can enroll or add dependents in the plan after open enrollment period has ended. These are considered “Qualifying Events” and include the following:

  1. Adding a newborn (must be enrolled within 31 days of birth)
  2. Adding a newly adopted child (must be enrolled within 31 days of formal adoption)
  3. Marriage (must enroll within 31 days of marriage date)
  4. Divorce
  5. International spouse/dependent arriving after Open Enrollment must enroll within 31 days of arrival in the U.S. (must have copy of passport showing date of arrival in U.S.)
  6. Student ‘aging off’ parent’s plan
  7. Within the first 31 days of losing coverage under other Creditable Coverage, contact AHP at 855-850-4302. 

15. Can I waive out of the Student Health Insurance after the waiver period has closed?

No. The system will be closed and students will not be able to login. You will be able to submit a waiver for the next semester when the waiver period opens for that semester.

16. What is Open Enrollment and what are the dates for Open Enrollment?

Open enrollment is the period during which any eligible student can enroll him/herself and family members in the Student Health Insurance Plan or apply for a waiver. This is the only time when a spouse and/or dependent children may be added to the plan outside of a qualifying event (see Question 13). Open enrollment occurs approximately 1 month prior to and 1 month after the start of the semester. 

17. Are premiums prorated if enrollment is outside of the open enrollment period?

Premiums are prorated for qualifying events only.  Prorated premiums are determined by AHP only.

18. When will I get my insurance card?

Please be sure to carry your insurance card with you at all times. You can obtain an electronic ID card in the My Health ToolKit

19. Will the Student Health Insurance Plan cover me if I go to any doctor?

Students covered by the Student Health Insurance Plan are encouraged to use MUSC Student Health Services as their primary care facility for the most cost savings. However, you may see any in-network provider.

Deductibles and co-pays will apply for visits outside of MUSC Student Health Services. If you have an emergency visit and are referred to another provider by the emergency room or urgent-care physician, please contact the MUSC Student Health Services (843-792-3664) to see if follow-up care can be provided at MUSC Student Health Services.

20. Am I still covered by the Student Health Insurance Plan if I am not enrolled for any classes during the summer?

Yes. Students enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan are covered for the entire semester/coverage period

  • Fall semester August 1-December 3
  • Spring semester January 1 – July 31
  • Summer (new students only) semester May 1-July 31

21. If I am not taking classes in the summer, why do I still have to pay for those months?

Students can suffer an illness or injury in the summer the same as they could in the fall or spring and would need insurance coverage to cover the costs. Many students travel during the summer and the Student Health Insurance Plan includes benefits for international travel.

22. Does my insurance coverage end on the day I graduate?

No. If you pay for spring/summer coverage, you are covered until July 31 even if you graduate in May. If you pay for fall coverage, you are covered until December 31. However, graduated students are no longer eligible to seek care at Student Health Services and are directed to seek care from in-network providers.

23. Where can I find a list of doctors and hospitals who are in-network providers?

Using the My Health ToolKit, you are able to find in-network doctors, dentists, facilities, and pharmacies.

Deductibles and co-pays will apply to visits. You will be able to use your insurance card as a pharmacy card for prescriptions, subject to deductibles and co-pays.

24. Does the Student Health Insurance Plan cover dental?

Yes. For coverage, please visit https://musc.myahpcare.com/benefits

25. Does the Student Health Insurance Plan cover vision?

Yes. For coverage, please visit https://musc.myahpcare.com/benefits

26. Does the student plan include Mental Telehealth?

With the Blue CareOnDemand web or mobile app, you can see a psychologist or counselor, face to face to address common behavioral health challenges, from the privacy and comfort of your own home. Blue CareOnDemand’s online therapy services are available nationwide and include a network of more than 350 psychologists, social works and other mental health disciplines with a wide variety of specialties. Therapists are available 7am-11pm EST, 7 days a week. Blue CareOnDemand Website

27.Does the Student Health Plan cover other wellness and preventive services?

Yes. For coverage, please visit https://musc.myahpcare.com/benefits

28. Are there exclusions in the insurance plan?

Yes. For coverage, please visit https://musc.myahpcare.com/benefits

29. Who do I contact for questions?

Academic Health Plans/Blue Cross Blue Shield
AHP Customer Service: 855-850-4302 or AHP website

MUSC Student Health Insurance Contact Information
Insurance email: studenthealthins@musc.edu

843-792-4402 or 843-792-2706



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