George Washington University students have until Oct. 31 to enroll in the university’s Student Health Insurance Plan.
This student-focused plan, which is underwritten by Aetna Student Health Insurance Company, covers students not only while at school but also at home and when traveling or studying abroad. The plan runs until Aug. 21. 2012.
“We believe that the 2011-12 Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) provides sound protection against expensive illnesses and accidents at a very reasonable cost,” said Peter Konwerski, associate vice president and dean of students.
Benefits available to students on SHIP include office visits to the university’s Student Health Service (SHS) and the University Counseling Center (UCC). These services are covered without co-pays or deductibles. Students on the plan also have lower co-pays at in-network pharmacies, and have access to emergency travel assistance. Dental insurance is also available.
Students can call a toll-free number and speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. There is also an audio library with information on thousands of health topics.
The plan’s annual rate is $1,977, and it covers up to $3,000 in annual prescription coverage and up to $2 million in annual medical coverage.
GW recommends students under 26 compare SHIP costs and access to D.C. services with their parents’ existing health insurance plan to determine the best option.
“I believe that our students benefit with the rich and affordable plan that we offer,” said Isabel Goldenberg, SHS director.
Students can enroll after Oct. 31 if they experience a significant life change such as loss of health coverage or if they turn 27 and no longer are covered under a parental plan.
For students not enrolled in SHIP, there is a $25 medical office visit fee at SHS and additional fees for medications and labs. There is a $65 fee for an initial 60-minute psychiatric visit and a $40 fee for a 30-minute follow-up psychiatric visit at SHS for students not covered under SHIP.
UCC offers short-term counseling for up to six sessions and brief crisis management followed by referral to longer-term treatment at no cost. For students not enrolled in SHIP, there is a $60 base fee after the sixth visit with sliding scale fees as needed. There is no cost for any UCC visit for students covered under SHIP.
GW is offering seasonal influenza vaccinations for all students, faculty and staff. The vaccines are free for students enrolled in SHIP and cost $20 for all other students and employees.
Flu clinics will be held on Oct. 27 from noon to 4 p.m. in the Marvin Center Grand Ballroom, on Nov. 2 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in West Hall on the Mount Vernon Campus, and from 5 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 25 and Nov. 9 at Student Health Service, 2141 K St., NW, Suite 501.
Clinics will also be held on Oct. 25 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on the Virginia Science and Technology Campus. Those clinics will take place in Enterprise Hall, in the North Executive Lobby on the first floor.