The center’s web site at humboldt.edu/health lists information about the ACA and frequently-asked-questions under the icon “Student Health Insurance.”
Regarding outreach and education on campus, a representative from United Way of the Wine Country will be tabling on the University Center Quad periodically during the next several weeks.
“I strongly encourage students and their families to acquaint themselves fully with the new law and the various coverage plans becoming available,” says Student Health Center Director Mary VanCott. “The Student Health Center will provide as much up-to-date information as we have available, but it is not in charge of implementing or administering the law, which is a state and federal responsibility. Likewise, the CSU system-wide will be providing outreach and information to all 23 campuses as the law comes into effect in the months immediately ahead.”
California State University’s health center directors, including VanCott, expect to receive periodic updates from the Chancellor’s Office on how to proceed with insurance billing, either in-house or through a contracted outside agency. “But for now,” VanCott said, “there is no reason to believe that payment of the campus health fee, which is included in student tuition, will end.”
Adds Student Health Center Medical Director Alan Morden, MD, “Unless and until the CSU Chancellor’s office gives the OK for us to bill under the Affordable Care Act, and we have the mechanism in place to do so, the Student Health Center will continue to operate on student fees as currently and not bill insurance. However, outside doctors’ offices and medical facilities such as hospitals and emergency departments will no doubt switch over to ACA billing on January 1, so it is still a good idea to sign up for it. Students will be informed when any change occurs that involves the Student Health Center.”
The CSU is in the midst of building a dedicated ACA web site specifically designed for students, with the date for activation to be announced later. In the meantime, the Student Health Center is directing students and parents to the California web site, www.coveredca.com, as well as its own site and the federal posting at healthcare.com.
Students and their families will be able to tap the U.S. government web site effective Oct. 1 at healthcare.gov. It will include a link to sign up for the program. A tab with the icon “get insurance” will provide steps for choosing a health insurance ‘marketplace’ or exchange.
The federal open enrollment telephone number for government call centers will be 1-800/318-2596. The connection is to be open around the clock with information available in more than 150 languages.
Although open enrollment begins Oct. 1, plans purchased via health care exchanges will begin Jan. 1. December 14 is the cutoff date if a subscriber wishes his or her plan to commence Jan. 1.
Multiple plans range from a basic one known as ‘bronze’ to mid-range ‘silver’ and then to high-end ‘gold’ and ‘platinum.’ The federal coverage will also include an option for catastrophic care. All plans purchased through exchanges are required to furnish the same coverage benefits.