Student Health Insurance Plan Announced for 2016-17

In March 2015, Syracuse University announced a student health insurance plan and policy, requiring all full-time, matriculated students—including undergraduate, graduate and law students—to carry qualifying health insurance coverage. The policy change brings Syracuse in line with policies already in place at nearly every other private college and university in the United States. The policy takes effect Aug. 1, 2016, and is designed to ensure students have the health coverage vital to their well-being and to meet the requirements of federal health care law.

Based on feedback from students during input sessions, a new website launched this month to serve as a centralized resource for students and help them understand health insurance options and answer commonly asked questions.

Students will need to demonstrate proof of qualifying health insurance coverage that meets the following criteria:

• provided by a United States-based insurer;
• covers emergency and non-emergency services in the Syracuse area; and
• compliant with all aspects of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

For students who do not have qualifying coverage that meets these criteria, the University offers a comprehensive student health insurance plan, which is insured and administered by Aetna Student Health.

“An important component to a student’s health and wellness is access to health services,” says Rebecca Reed Kantrowitz, senior vice president and dean of Student Affairs. “A health insurance requirement not only ensures students have access to important medical services when they need them while studying at Syracuse University, but it is a best practice within higher education institutions.”

Based on feedback from students during focus groups and daily interactions with offices involved in this process, the University is sponsoring a platinum-rated plan that decreases out-of-pocket expenses for students and improves coverage.  The cost for the University-sponsored student health insurance plan in 2016-17 is $2,230.  This new plan includes enhancements such as a lower annual deductible, lower out-of-pocket maximum, decreased prescription copays, and increased coinsurance coverage.

“The platinum-rated plan makes a lot of sense for students,” says Can Aslan, president of the Graduate Student Organization and member of the Health Insurance Working Group. “The cost for the new plan, especially an upgraded plan, offers significant increases in benefits for the cost.”

Starting in May and continuing throughout the summer, students can access both the enroll and waive options through MySlice and will be prompted to enroll in, or demonstrate proof of, qualifying health insurance coverage. For students without qualifying health insurance coverage or students who would like to proactively enroll in the University’s student health insurance plan using MySlice, the plan will be applied to their bursar’s bill for the University-sponsored student health insurance plan.

In addition to the new website, students requested more support and assistance related to health insurance programming. A Student Health Insurance Office will be established within Health Services and the staff will be available to address students’ questions related to the health insurance policy, plan options, claims processing and general health insurance inquiries.

For more information or to address questions, visit the Student Health Insurance website or contact 315-443-9019.