Student Health Insurance - Academic Year 2007-2008 NEW !!

Starting Academic Year 2007-2008 the Student Health Insurance Plan will be administered by The Chickering Group. The Chickering Group is part of Aetna, a leader in the insurance industry with a strong knowledge of healthcare and an expansive network of physicians, hospitals and other health care providers. Refer to Eligibility Information [PDF] or for more information, contact:

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Office of Student Insurance
Hurtado Health Center - First Floor Lobby
New Brunswick, NJ 08901-1180
732-932-8285

Health Services Plus Plan

The Health Services Plus Plan is designed to support the Health Centers by providing benefits for such services as some labs tests, referrals to specialists and Emergency Room visits. This plan is an excess plan and is secondary to a parent's or spouses insurance plan.

a.         Any other health insurance coverage is primary
b.         Maximum benefit of $5,000 per illness or injury
c.         Covers hospitalization and certain outpatient services for covered illnesses or injuries

For Health services Plus Plan details, refer to the Student Health Benefits pamphlet (PDF format).

Full - Time Students 

a.         Full-Time students are automatically enrolled in the Health Services Plus Plan and have access to the Rutgers University Health Centers. (The mandatory fee is included in the College Fee on your tuition bill).

b.         Coverage for Fall begins September 01, 2007, and coverage for Spring begins January 21, 2008.

Part - Time Students 

a.         Part-Time students who wish to utilize the Rutgers University Health Centers may purchase the Health Services Plus Plan.

b.         The application and fees can either be submitted online or through the Office of Student Insurance at the address above.

The check should be made payable to Rutgers University. The 2007-2008 semester fee is $167.75 for Camden students.

Optional Additional Coverage - Student Health Insurance Plan

*** (Important Note: Please read application for enrollment deadlines)

a.         Health Services Plus Plan must be purchased in order to be eligible for the Student Health
Insurance Plan I or II

b.         Available in the amount of $100,000 or $250,000 per illness or injury refer to rate chart for costs

c.         May be purchased for a student or their spouse, domestic partner, or dependent children

d.         Payment of benefits begins after the Health Services Plus Plan benefits have been paid and when the $250 deductible per illness or injury has been satisfied

e.         Student Health Insurance Plan then pays 80% of the usual and customary charges up to $10,000 of incurred covered medical expenses and 100% of additional covered medical expenses not to exceed the policy maximum

f.          To maximize benefits, it is recommended that the Rutgers University Health Centers be utilized when feasible

g          There are limitations and exclusions to this plan and you should refer to the online Certificate [PDF]. For instance, the policy specifically excludes coverage for the treatment of allergies or acne and related prescriptions. There are no insurance benefits for routine vision care, dental treatment or birth control

h.         The application for the Student Health Insurance Plan is enclosed in the insurance packet and also available online. The application should be sent with the premium directly to the insurance company

i.          The Chickering Group accepts credit card payments or a check which should be made payable to the Chickering Group. Premiums should be mailed to:

The Chickering Group
PO Box 15706
Boston, MA 02215-0014

The Full-time students and Dependents Application [PDF] should be completed and mailed along with the check  It is the student's responsibility for timely renewal payments whether or not a renewal notice is sent.

Claims 

Claims must be submitted to:

Chickering Claims Administrators
P O Box 15708
Boston, MA 02215-0014

Payment will be made directly to the provider unless bill receipts and proof of payment are submitted. An Explanation of Benefits (EOB) will be mailed to you when a claim is processed.

If you have primary insurance, the itemized bill and the primary EOB needs to be submitted to the above address.

If you were a student in Academic Year 2006-2007 or previously and had a claim with Mega Life and Health, some bills might still need to be submitted to Mega Life and Health for a continuing condition. The staff at the Student Insurance Office will assist you in that situation.

Dental and Vision Plan 

Vital Savings Dental and Vision is being offered to Rutgers students. Dental and vision services were provided by participating providers at a significant discount. It put important dental and vision care within affordable reach. This year the program has been expanded to include discounts not only on Dental and Vision but also discount on Fitness and Alternative Health Care.

The cost is $25 for students for annual membership September 01, 2007 through August 31, 2008.

For complete details and instructions on how to enroll visit http://www.chickering.com/schools/rutgers.

Rutgers Recommendation

Rutgers University recommends that all students closely examine their individual circumstances regarding personal health insurance. Unfortunately, many students will need extensive medical services during their stay at Rutgers. Most of our students will enjoy good health, but at one time or another will require medical services. Medical care is very expensive. It is important to have comprehensive health insurance coverage to insure that you have access to necessary medical care, and do not experience financial hardship.

        Students typically have health insurance coverage through their family, or place of employment.  Too many students either do not have health insurance coverage, or miss opportunities to obtain comprehensive coverage. Rutgers University offers all students "Health Services Plus Plan", and supplemental health insurance coverage.

Why do I need student health insurance?

Maintaining good physical and mental health provides an important foundation for students to fulfill their academic potential during their stay at Rutgers. Towards this end, Rutgers University offers their students quality health care in the form of comprehensive outpatient health services. Use of Rutgers University Health Services is available to all Rutgers students who have paid the student health fee. 

     The University recommends that all Rutgers students be covered by a health insurance plan. All full time students have paid for Health Services Plus Plan student health insurance as part of their student fees. Part time students (one to eleven credits) can purchase Health Services Plus Plan student health insurance on a semester basis. 

 Who should I buy student health insurance.

Those who should buy Health Services Plus Plan and/or supplemental health insurance include: 

1)     Students who do not have outside health insurance.

2)     Students who live out of the area with insurance that only applies to care given within that area.

3)     Students who have health insurance with a high deductible or low overall coverage (i.e., $2,000 deductible with 50% coverage).

If you have a chronic health problem it is suggested that you purchase other health insurance (such as Blue Cross / Blue Shield, etc.) in addition to Student Health Insurance.