"Why is USC requiring health insurance as a condition of enrollment for graduate students enrolled in 9 or more hours, all graduate assistants, and international students?"  (top)

When uninsured/underinsured students become seriously ill or injured, their academic careers are seriously threatened by substantial healthcare debt, disability or both.  The University agrees and now requires health insurance. Many universities across in the United States require health insurance as a condition of enrollment.

 "Why do USC students need health insurance, when they can be seen at Student Health Services by paying the health fee?"   (top)

Physician and nurse practitioner visits to Student Health Services are free, however there are additional fees associated with lab work, x-rays, physical therapy and pharmacy that are not covered by the student health fee. While USC Student Health Services provides excellent out-patient care for enrolled USC students, SHS provides only out-patient primary care, short-term (but not long-term) counseling and psychiatry services.   If and when USC students need specialist care, emergency services or hospitalization, the student health fee does not cover these services and the costs of these services can run quickly into the tens of thousands of dollars. Such unexpected expenses can derail, or even end, a promising academic career.

Questions about the quality and cost of the University’s sponsored Student Health Insurance Plan and Scope of Coverage offered through Pearce and Pearce Insurance Company:

"Is the University’s sponsored student health insurance plan good in comparison to other health insurance plans?"  (top)

We feel strongly that our student health insurance plan is among the best student plans in the nation.   Significant improvements have been made in the plan each year based upon suggestions from the student population.  The 2006-07 USC Student Health plan features the following:

• The plan covers 100% of covered medical expenses at Student Health Services, with no deductible.
• The plan covers 80% of in-network charges outside Student Health Services (SHS) and within the CCN/Southcare networks.  There is a $300 annual deductible per person and a $15 co-pay for physician visits outside USC’s Student Health Center. Outside the CCN/Southcare network, coverage is 60% with a $300 annual deductible and a $30 co-pay for physician visits.
• All non-emergency specialist care must first have a written referral from Student Health Services, unless you are more than 30 miles away from the Columbia campus or SHS is closed.  
• The plan offers outpatient prescription pharmacy coverage up to $750 per policy year and covers 80% with no co-pay or deductible (including prescription birth control) at Student Health Services.
• Limited dental coverage - see plan for details.
• World-wide Assistance Program - see plan for details
• Coverage is also available for student's spouse and dependent children.

We strongly encourage you to read the plan brochure available at http://www.studentinsurance.com
concerning the quality of coverage.

  "Do students who already have health insurance coverage via their parents' or spouse's plans or personal plans also have to purchase the USC sponsored health insurance plan?"  (top)

Absolutely not, students who already have adequate health insurance coverage can waive out of the health insurance requirement. USC has a mandatory health insurance requirement with a "hard waiver."  Under this approach, students must either purchase the University sponsored Student Health Insurance Plan or show evidence of enrollment in a comparable health insurance plan. If the student has not waived out of the sponsored plan by the deadline date for each Fall Semester and Spring Semester, he/she will be automatically enrolled in the sponsored plan and billed via the Bursar Office (Student Financial Services.) Therefore, no student should find himself or herself in a situation where they have two health insurance plans. . . unless he/she ignores deadlines. Click here to waive out of the sponsored health insurance plan 

"What is the annual health insurance premium for the 2007-08 University sponsored plan?"   (top)

The VIP system will allow students to select the optional charge for the health insurance for Fall Only coverage or Spring/Summer Only coverage.  If students wish to enroll during the Fall semester for the annual coverage, they may enroll at www.studentinsurance.com or by calling Pearce & Pearce at 1-888-622-6001 during Open Enrollment.

"Are there cheaper health insurance policies available that meet the minimum waiver criteria?"  (top)

Yes, there may be other health insurance plans that offer lower premium rates. However, as noted earlier, the University sponsored Student Health plan far exceeds the required coverage minimums in many areas and has been a very successful plan for USC students. We highly encourage you to read the summary of benefits (and the fine print) and compare and contrast insurance policies before you make your decision to purchase one health insurance plan over the other. The time to determine whether your level of coverage is adequate is now, not when you are sitting in the emergency room or lying in a hospital bed.   

  "When I leave USC, will I automatically lose my insurance coverage?"  (top)

No, not necessarily.   You will continue to be covered for the duration of your policy (for example, if you graduate in May and your policy is good through August 14).  That should give you time to get settled at your new job or school and obtain health insurance coverage.

 "I will be studying abroad while enrolled at USC.  Will the University sponsored plan give me coverage while I am away from the United States?"   (top)

Yes. The Student Health Insurance Plan gives coverage both in the United States and abroad.  However, USC requires additional insurance to enhance overseas coverage and manage emergencies while abroad.  For additional information about this requirement contact the USC Study Abroad office at 803.777.7557.

Questions about insurance requirements for International Students:

 "Are there any additional insurance requirements for international students that do not apply to domestic students?"   (top)

Yes.   In addition to the coverage requirements listed for all students, international students must have insurance that meets the following additional requirements:

• Coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation of remains to the insured person's place of residence in his or her home country ($10,000 USD for evacuation, $10,000 USD for repatriation)

• For J-1 exchange visitors and their J-2 dependents, the U.S. Department of State regulations require that the health insurance plan must also meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Part of a group benefits program offered to enrolled students by a designated sponsor, or

• A health maintenance organization (HMO) that is federally qualified as determined by the Health Care Financing Administration (HFCA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human services, or

• A Competitive Medical Plan (CMP) as determined by the Health Care Financing Administration (HFCA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human services, or

• Underwritten by an insurance company having an AM Best rating of "A-" or above, an Insurance Solvency International, LTD. (ISI) rating of "A-" or above, a Standard and Poor's Claims-Paying Ability rating of "A-" or above, or a Weiss research, Inc. rating of "B+" or above.

The University sponsored Student Health Insurance Plan, offered by Pearce and Pearce, meets all additional insurance requirements for international students and dependents.

Questions about enrollment in the USC sponsored health insurance plan offered by Pearce and Pearce:

"What if I lose my current insurance during the school year?   Can I sign up for the USC sponsored insurance plan at that time?"   (top)

Yes, you can.   After the enrollment deadline, students who have involuntarily lost health insurance coverage through a "Qualifying Life Event" (such as (1) removal from a parent's health insurance plan after achieving a landmark birthday that disqualifies them from a parent's health insurance plan, or (2) losing private insurance through loss of employment or divorce) may apply for late enrollment in USC Student Health Insurance Plan. These students must provide proof that they have lost insurance through another group (certificate and letter of ineligibility) within 30 days of the qualifying event. The premium will be the same as it would have been at the beginning of that period, but the effective date would be the later of the date the student enrolls and pays the premium or the day after prior coverage ends. Premiums are not pro-rated, and the student will be responsible for paying the full premium for the term in which they enroll.

 "I would like to enroll my spouse and children in the University’s sponsored plan.   Can I do that?"   (top)

Yes.   Go to www.studentinsurance.com for more information about dependent coverage and enrollment.

"Can I enroll my domestic partner in the plan?"    (top)

No, eligible dependents are the legal spouse and children of the student.  Domestic partners are not eligible for enrollment in the plan.

"What are the dates of coverage of the 2007-08 USC/Pearce and Pearce plan?"   (top)

The University sponsored student health insurance is an annual plan.   Dates of coverage are as follows:

• School of Medicine                      8/01/2007 – 7/31/2008
• International Students                8/15/2007 – 8/14/2008
• All other students                        8/15/2007 – 8/14/2008

Only students who are eligible to enroll in the Spring or Summer are students new to USC during that semester or students with a qualifying event (see above).   

"What if I want to continue coverage after I graduate or otherwise leave USC?   Can I do so under the plan?"    (top)

Yes.   Students can purchase a continuation plan to continue coverage for 3, 6 or 9 months after they leave USC.   For more information about the continuation plan, go to www.studentinsurance.com .

"Where do I get my primary medical care under the student insurance plan?"  (top)  

At Student Health Services located at USC. Student Health Services (Thomson Student Health Center) is the primary care provider under the plan. If you need to be referred to a physician or specialist outside Student Health Services, we will assist you in making the referral. 

 "I have heard that I have to have a referral to see a specialist under the University’s sponsored Student Health Insurance plan.  Is this true?"  

Yes, it is true. There is a referral requirement under the plan.   Student Health Services (SHS) offers students comprehensive primary and specialty services coordinated by SHS. You may be referred to an outside medical provider if required specialist medical care is unavailable at SHS.  

If you are enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan, a referral is necessary to receive the maximum benefit under your Student Health Insurance Plan, except in the following instances:

1. Treatment of an Emergency Medical Condition; or
2. When SHS is closed; or
3. When the service is rendered at another facility during breaks or vacation periods; or
4. When medical care is received by a Covered Person who is more than 30 miles from campus; or
5. When medical care is received by a Covered Person who is no longer able to use the  SHS due to a change in student status; or
6. Maternity services.
7. Dermatological services.
8. Psychotherapy services.  

A new referral must be obtained if continuous treatment is being received from one Policy Year to the next

Questions about other optional coverage, including the dental plan and the supplemental plan:

"I am interested in getting dental coverage.  Does the University sponsored plan cover dental care?"   (top)

Yes, however the coverage is limited to the following: a dental benefit is offered through the Careington Network Providers that include:  One Annual Comprehensive Oral Evaluation, One Annual Adult/Child Cleaning, Annual bitewing X-rays (up to 4), and discounts on other supplies and services with Careington.  To locate a Careington provider and obtain more information about the dental benefits please visit  www.studentinsurance.com.