With COVID-19 vaccines being administered, colleges are starting to reopen their dorm and hold in-class lectors. Like everything else these days, heading off to college will probably not look the same as it did pre-pandemic. But whether your child is allowed to be back on campus or will take classes virtually, it’s more important than ever to make sure they’ve got the health coverage they need.
Children under age 26 can stay on their parent’s health insurance plan because of the Affordable Care Act. For many people, this is the most affordable way to keep college students covered. But there are several factors to consider in planning for your back-to-school health insurance needs.
1. Understand your current coverage
For students living away from home, facing new living environments, climates, and stresses, a reliable health plan is essential to help them stay healthy.
2. Explore the convenience of telehealth
Since the pandemic made it challenging to see a doctor in-person, telehealth had provided access to care when and where patients needed it. Students staying on their parent’s plan may have access to telehealth and talk with a doctor or behavioral health specialist via video (like Skype or FaceTime), chat or phone.
3. Student Insurance Plans
If your plan does not include out-of-network coverage, contact your child’s school. Most colleges offer a Student Health Insurance Plans (SHIP). These could be a good option for primary care, especially if your existing family coverage is limited.
With Student Health Insurance Plans, premiums can be paid through tuition or as part of financial aid. The majority of the time, students will be required to see doctors on-campus or in the surrounding area, but some plans offer extended coverage even when a student is back home.
4. Marketplace
Some students may be able to purchase a health insurance plan through a marketplace run by the state or federal government. If students qualify, they may receive financial subsidies to pay for their plans. Purchasing these plans typically can be the costliest option.
Health insurance is probably the last thing on your college student’s mind, but their health and safety are always your first priority as a parent. Share with them how health care and insurance work and how to get the care they need when they need it.
Cosmo Insurance Agency is a full-service independent insurance agency based in Hackensack (Bergen County) and Lakewood (Ocean County), New Jersey that offers an all-encompassing range of insurance options for both individuals and businesses. Cosmo keeps its promise to assure an efficient and creative approach to the services we offer. Each of our clients experience a personalized and long-term relationship with us. Our New Jersey based team of health brokers guides our clients in helping them choose the most cost-effective options. By incorporating our knowledge of the insurance guidelines for healthcare, employee benefits, life insurance, self-insurance, dental, disability, and long term care insurance, we keep our clients up-to-date with affordable plans that cover all their specific insurance needs.
