Student Health Insurance Plan

American University and the Student Health Center are committed to keeping students healthy so they can achieve success in all areas of campus life. The Student Health Center provides primary care medical services, health education, and wellness programming to students. The Student Health Center also provides gynecological care, immunizations, and allergy injections. Although we can meet many of your health care needs, it may be necessary for you to access additional medical services. Health insurance will help cover the costs of additional care and services.

Health insurance is required of all full-time degree, resident, and international students with F1 and J1 visas.The American University student health insurance plan has been developed especially for AU students. The plan provides coverage for Accidents and Sicknesses that occur on and off campus and includes special cost-saving features to keep the coverage as affordable as possible. American University is please to offer the plan as described in the brochure below. The brochure and other resources can also be found online at the GM-Southwest website, June 15th.

Student Health Insurance Plan 2008-2009

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of the student health insurance plan for 2008-2009?

 
Fall
Spring
Summer
Student
$1,440
$925
$395
Spouse/Domestic Partner
$5,795
$3,690
$1,575
Each Child
$3,370
$2,145
$915

 

Why did the Student Health Insurance Plan vendor change from Chickering (Aetna Student Health) to GM Southwest?
Each year, during the renewal process of the student health insurance plan, the Student Health Center evaluates the existing plan to ensure that the following objectives are met:
• to provide the best financial arrangement for enrollees
• to provide the broadest choice of quality healthcare providers on a local and national level
• to provide superior plan administration to enrollees and to AU
A new vendor, GM Southwest, was selected after an extensive bid process determined which vendor could achieve these objectives for the upcoming plan year.

What do I need to know about GM Southwest?
GM Southwest has been offering health insurance coverage to students at colleges and universities across the country for over 30 years. Our partnership with GM Southwest enables enrollees to access the Blue Cross Blue Shield CareFirst provider network. This provider network includes 24,000 participating providers.

Why is there an increase in the cost of the plan as compared to 2007-2008?
While the plan is more expensive this year than last year, the increase in cost is the lowest percentage obtained after negotiations with various insurance vendors. One of the reasons that the cost of health insurance keeps increasing is because of rapid inflation in health care costs, particularly for prescription drugs and hospital care. Student health insurance plans are no exception. The cost of the plan is influenced by the combination of benefits in the plan.

Are there any changes in the plan?
There is one change in the plan. The referral requirement to access mental health providers has been eliminated. This requirement was eliminated so that enrollees could work closely with their SHC provider or Counseling Center staff member to determine their need for mental health services. All other benefits, including deductibles and in-network coinsurance percentages, will remain at the same level as in 2007-2008. Keeping the plan design similar to the 2007-2008 plan has allowed us to keep the percentage increase in cost as low as possible.

How does the cost of the AU plan compare to the cost of plans at other colleges and universities?
It is difficult to answer this question because every plan has a unique combination of benefits. However, the AU plan remains an excellent value for students compared to plans at other colleges and universities in the area. Prior to increases for the 2008-09 year, plans such as those at Georgetown University, Catholic University, and Johns Hopkins University were in the $1,300 to $1,600 range.

I am graduating from AU in December 2008 or May 2009. What are my options for health insurance?
Remember that all students covered by the AU plan for 2008-2009 who are graduating in May 2009 are covered through August 20, 2009. AU does not provide health insurance coverage beyond that time. Students who are graduating in December 2008 are also covered through August 20, 2009 but may wish to discontinue participation in the AU plan upon graduation. In this situation, a pro-rata refund of the premium may be made. Consult the American University policy brochure this summer at www.myaustudentinsurance.com for more information.

What other things do I need to know about the Student Health Insurance Plan?
When you accept the American University Student Health Insurance Plan, you are accepting the terms and policies of the plan. Please make sure you read the policy brochure carefully. The brochure will be available online at www.myaustudentinsurance.com this summer. You may also obtain a brochure and additional information at the Student Health Center. Please remember that students who are insured under the plan must obtain a referral during a visit with a Student Health Center provider prior to receiving treatment outside of the Student Health Center.