Find answers to questions about the Mandatory Health Insurance Requirement.

Question:

How many credit hours do I need to be eligible for the Student Health Insurance (SHI)?

A.  Undergraduate students - 6 or more credit hours
     
      Graduate students - 1 or more credit hours (MUST BE DEGREE SEEKING) 

Question:  

What are the dates that I am covered?

A.  Fall: 8/10/09 - 1/6/10          Spring:  1/7/10 - 8/9/10

Question:  

Do I need to renew my insurance in January if I took the insurance coverage during the Fall Semester?

A. Yes.  You must go online to "activate" your coverage for the Spring Semester 

Question:  

If the Student Health Center (SHC) is closed and I go to the emergency room, will the SHI cover the cost?

 A.  Yes.  Refer to the terms outlines in the Student Health Insurance Program brochure.

Question: 

If I am at home on break and get sick, will the SHI cover my doctor's visit and treatment?

 A. Yes.  The level of coverage depends if the doctor is in or out of network with the First Health PPO network.  In-network coverage is 80/20 and out-of-network coverage is 60/40.

Question: 

Does the insurance include hospitalization?

A. Yes.  The SHI provides inpatient coverage.  The coverage is 80/20 after the $300 deductible has been met.

Question:

Will the insurance pay for my prescriptions at an outside pharmacy or do they need to be filled at the SHC?

A.  You do not have to fill your prescriptions at the Student Health Center pharmacy.  However, the out of pocked expense is less...$10 co-pay per prescription.  The cost at an outside pharmacy is more...$10 co-pay for generic/$25 co-pay for brand name & 20% of the prescription cost.

Question:  

Are pre-existing conditions covered?

A.  Yes.  If the student can provide proof of 12 months of continuous creditable coverage to the SHI company within 63 days of the previous coverage. 

No.  If the student has not had prior coverage or has had a lapse in coverage greater than 63 days or has not had 12 months of consecutive coverage. 

Question:  

If I have a child or spouse, can I add them to the policy?

A. Yes.  The child premium is $499 per semester.  The adult premium is $816 per semester.  The premium must be paid directly to the SHI company.  The child and spouse may not use the SHC for medical services. 

Question: 

I waived the SHI, can I reverse my waiver and enroll with the SHI?

 A. Yes.  Only during open enrollment or within 30 days of a qualifying event.  (i.e. loss of coverage or ineligibility under another creditable coverage)  Enrollment must be obtained with the SHI within 31 days of the event.

Question: 

Can I use my own doctor with the SHI plan?

A. Yes.  You must obtain a referral from the SHC before you can be treated/seen by your doctor.  The deductible and coinsurance will apply.  Without the referral the SHI will not pay the claim for that date of service.  This applies to enrolled students only.  This does not apply if the students doctor is located 50 miles or more from the SHC.

Question:

Will financial aid pay for my SHI premium?

A.  Contact the UNC Charlotte Student Financial Aid office.

Question: 

If I withdraw from the university, am I covered?

 A. Yes.  If you attended 30 days or more.  If less than 30 days, you are not covered.

Question: 

Will I get reimbursed some or all of the SHI premium if I withdraw or don't use the insurance?

A. No.  The exception to this is if the student withdraws within 30 days of the first day of school.  If this occurs, the premium will be refunded.

Question:

Does the SHI have a Cobra plan?

A.  No.