Pennsylvania Health Insurance

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Low cost student health insurance coverage in Pennsylvania is very easy to purchase.  We help you find quality plans (both on and off the Marketplace) through all of the major insurers such as Aetna, UnitedHealthCare, UPMC, Coventry Highmark BCBS, Capital BC, Keystone, Independence Blue Cross, Geisinger, and many other providers.  Sometimes, University policies don’t provide the specific benefits that you want, or feature the low rates that you need to fit within your budget.

We show you flexible policies that keep rates affordable, but also give you top-notch coverage that you can use almost everywhere. All policy options are Affordable Care Act-compliant and contain all required essential health benefits (required by Obamacare legislation) including maternity, mental health, prescriptions, ER, office visits, hospital and many others. You can accept a federal subsidy (if available), or choose a private policy that receives no federal aid.

Provider Networks are often larger when you purchase your own policy. A wide variety of specialists are generally available for specific treatment. If traveling outside of the Keystone State, major medical, preventative, and routine medical expenses can be covered. Emergency treatment away from home is also covered, including the ER and Urgent Care facilities. Note: Several of the previously-mentioned carriers offer small and large group coverage, but not private individual or family plans.

Best Available Rates

Any Pennsylvania student rates you view on this website have our “best price” approval. You can apply for these plans either online or by going direct. If you’re a recent graduate from a Pa school, you can also purchase inexpensive short-term coverage, or if you are away from home, there are many additional options. If you are taking part-time hours, you still are eligible. Since most policies are generic, adults taking part-time or full-time classes can also purchase these types of contracts.

If you are planning on studying abroad, there are specialty plans that will be much better-suited for the type of international needs you will have. These policies will allow you to receive treatment (including emergencies) in the countries you are visiting, including paying medical bills you incur back in the US until you enroll in a conventional plan.  Evacuation expenses can also be covered. Once you return to the US, however, more traditional and conventional plans should be chosen.

Which Schools

Most Pennsylvania colleges and universities (Penn State, Pitt, Temple, Duquesne, Penn, LaSalle, Slippery Rock, Villanova, Lehigh etc…) require their students to have comprehensive health insurance, either through a parent’s plan, their own university policy, or an individual plan. If you are not eligible for affordable coverage under a parent’s private or employer-sponsored benefit, then buying your own policy from one of the major companies should be considered. Regardless if you qualify for a financial subsidy, prices will be inexpensive, and pre-existing conditions will be covered (assuming you have previously met Open Enrollment guidelines).

Or, if your school plan is too expensive, you may be able to save money when you buy a private policy. If you are attending a college in another state, it’s important to understand that some plans may limit where you receive treatment (such as an HMO). A PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) is much more likely to allow you to seek treatment away from campus. Routine medical situations can often  be treated at an on-campus facility. Several student health insurance guides are available along with our customized reviews of specific schools.

Having a large choice of Network medical facilities, physicians and specialists is extremely important, especially if you attend an out-of-state school. Student health plans purchased through a university could limit the type of care you receive and where you can go to receive the treatment. This may become very evident  if chronic conditions require regular specialist visits. Even if the condition is temporary, the cost could be overwhelming without the most appropriate policy.

We help you find the options that provide the coverage you are required to have. Whether you attend a specific school, or you’re a undergraduate or graduate student, we’re experienced  in making the selection and application process easy. Interpreting the requirements that your school requires can be very confusing and tedious. We compare these types of requirements each day, so we can easily and quickly determine your best course of action.

Provider List

Your own individual plan will include off-site doctors, hospitals and other specialists, if needed. Even if Network specialized medical care is located hundreds of miles from school, you will have access to that treatment. Almost all of the large Pennsylvania health insurers feature large Networks including the best specialists in the state. When we review your options, we’ll make certain that there are a wide selection of providers.

Most companies allow you to be billed monthly, instead of paying an entire semester of premiums at once.  And you can keep coverage after you graduate and also if you never finish. Since you own the plan, you determine if/when you want to renew it. As a result of annual Open Enrollments, you can also freely change plans and companies every year, regardless of any medical conditions you may have.

Student Health Insurance Rates In Pa

For example, a 19-year old in the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh areas (assuming income of $20,000 per year and applied federal subsidy) can buy comprehensive coverage for as little as $26 per month (see below).

Montgomery, Philadelphia, Delaware, Bucks and Chester Counties

$26 – Independence Blue Cross Bronze Basic – $40 pcp office visit copay after deductible is met.

$41 – Independence Blue Cross Personal Choice PPO Bronze Reserve – 0% coinsurance.

$52 – Independence Blue Cross Personal Choice PPO Bronze – $50 pcp office visit copay.

$60 – Independence Blue Cross Keystone HMO Silver Proactive – $10 and $20 office visit copays and $0 deductible.

$82 – Independence Blue Cross Keystone HMO Silver – $5 and $15 office visit copays and $1,000 deductible.

Allegheny, Westmoreland, Washington, and Beaver Counties

$68 – UPMC Advantage Bronze $6,950/$35 – $35 Copay on pcp visits.

$80 – UPMC Advantage Silver $3,250/$10 – $5 and $25 office visit copays and $1,000 deductible.

$82 – UPMC Advantage Silver $1,750/$30 – $15 and $30 office visit copays and $500 deductible.

$83 – UPMC Advantage Silver HSA $2,600/20% – Not the best option for students.

$83 – UPMC Advantage Silver $0/$50 – $0 deductible with $25 and $60 copays.

Dauphin, Lebanon, Cumberland, and Perry Counties

$55 – Geisinger Marketplace HMO 30/60/3500 – $15 and $25 office visit copays. $600 deductible with maximum out-of-pocket expenses of $2,350.

$82 – Capital BlueCross Silver PPO 4500/0/10 – $5 and $10 office visit copays. $1,100 deductible with maximum out-of-pocket expenses of $2,350.

$95 – Highmark Alliance Flex Blue PPO 2300 – $25 and $40 office visit copays. $700 deductible with maximum out-of-pocket expenses of $1,400.

$110 – Geisinger Marketplace HMO 20/40/6000 – $20 and $40 office visit copays. $3,000 deductible with maximum out-of-pocket expenses of $4,000. $15 generic drug copay.

$126 – Capital BlueCross Silver PPO 4500/0/10 – $20 and $50 office visit copays. $1,000 deductible with maximum out-of-pocket expenses of $7,150.

If you’re working part-time, there is a possibility that you may be eligible for group benefits. However, typically, the most economical employer-based coverage is reserved for full-time employees.  Thus, your group rate may be quite high compared to other private options. There also may be a specific employee  “open enrollment” period, and if you miss the deadline, you’ll have to wait another year.

We prefer private options because you can also customize a policy to match the benefits that you feel are the most important. Thus,  if you need maternity or tuition protection with low out-of-pocket costs for a medical condition withdraw, there are specific carriers that will specialize in those needs, by reducing out-of-pocket costs. There are many occasions, when schooling may be interrupted because of a sickness or illness. That’s when you may need your own coverage the most.

Pa University Student Health Plan Information And Rates For 11 Largest Schools

University Of Pittsburgh – The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Health Plan is available to full-time undergraduate students and all graduate students. Coverage is underwritten by UPMC. The monthly rate for a single student is $188.62, and $526.07 for a student and one child. The rates for a student and spouse is $1,244.63 and $1,582.07 for an entire family. Dental and vision benefits are also available ($15.32 and $6.78 monthly rates respectively for a single student).

Plan deductibles are $250 per person, and $500 per family. Maximum out-of-pocket expenses are $4,200 per person and $8,400 per family. Office visit copays (pcp and specialist) are $30 and $40. The Urgent Care and ER copays are $40 and $75. Prescription drug copays are $15 for generic and $35 for preferred brands. Non-preferred brand and specialty medication copays are $70.

Penn State University – The Penn State  plan (SHIP) is provided by UnitedHealthcare Student Resources. Coverage is offered to undergraduates, graduate, law, and professional students, graduate assistants and fellows, international students, and Hershey College of Medicine students. Aetna previously provided benefits. International students must have existing medical coverage to continue enrollment in good standing. September 5th is the last day to enroll for Fall semester benefits. May 21st is the deadline for summer session coverage.

University Of Pennsylvania – “PSIP” is offered and Aetna is again the underwriter for undergraduate students. Graduate and professional program students have their costs included in their attendance budget when estimating financial aid. The annual rate for single students is $3,348, $3,348 for a spouse, and $3,348 for a child. The annual rate for two or more children is $6,696.

Utilizing “Preferred Care” facilities provides lower out-of-pocket costs. The annual deductible is $300 per person, with  $900 maximum out-of-pocket expenses. Office visit and Urgent Care copays are $30. The ER copay is $100.  The diagnostic test and x-ray copay is $35, while the imaging copay is $50. Prescription drugs are covered with the following copays: $20 – generic $40-preferred brand, non-preferred brand – $40, and specialty – $40.

Dental benefits are also offered through the Penn Dental Family Practice. Covered services include implants, oral surgery, cosmetic surgery, general and pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, and teeth whitening. 35 physicians are available along with additional practitioners. A “Vital Savings Discount” program is also offered for basic dental needs. However, coverage is limited, and discounts will vary, depending upon the procedure. Also benefits are not recognized by the Penn Faculty Practice.

Indiana University Of Pennsylvania – IUP does not offer coverage, although there is a “service fee” that every student must pay. This charge covers the cost of the campus clinic for basic services (common colds, the flu, etc…).   Incoming freshman and transfer students must also provide proof of the following immunizations: Polio, Diphtheria, Mumps, Measles, Rubella, and Tetanus.

The Health Service Clinic is open during most business hours and can treat basic injuries and illnesses. Physicians and nurses are available to treat patients. Payment is not collected at the time of treatment, since billing statements are sent directly to the Bursar for direct pay. Prescribed medications can be picked up at local pharmacies. The facility is located at 901 Maple Street. Several  available services (and their charges) are: basic visit for illness or injury – $10, pregnancy testing – $15, STD tests – $25, annual physicals – $35, allergy injections – $5, crutches – $30, sutures – $5, use of nebulizer – $5, and air cast – $15.

Temple University – Undergraduate, graduate, law, pharmacy, dental, and international students are eligible to purchase coverage. The three available plans are Personal Choice PPO, Keystone Standard Point-Of-Service, and  Keystone Premium Point-Of-Service. Each of the three policies is underwritten by Independence Blue Cross, and complies with Affordable Care Act requirements. There are also no deductibles to meet although maximum out-of-pocket expenses apply. Each of the three plans has a maximum out-of-pocket maximum of $6,600 (per person) and $13,200 per family. Note: Routine and basic visits are covered by Student Health Services (part of the University Services fee).

The Personal Choice PPO plan has $20 and $40 office visit copays with a $70 copay for Urgent Care visits. Inpatient hospital visits are subject to a $150 copay per day (maximum five copays), and ER visits have a $100 copay. Routine diagnostic x-rays are subject to a $40 copay.  Most therapy services require a $40 copay.  There is no deductible and maximum out-of-pocket expenses are $6,600.

The POS Standard plan has $30 and $50 office visit copays with a $70 copay for Urgent Care visits. Inpatient hospital visits are subject to a $250 copay per day (maximum five copays), and ER visits have a $100 copay.  There is no deductible and maximum out-of-pocket expenses are $6,600. Therapy services are subject to a $50 copay.

The POS Premium plan has $15 and $30 office visit copays with a $70 copay for Urgent Care visits. Inpatient hospital visits are subject to a $100 copay per day (maximum five copays), and ER visits have a $100 copay. There is no deductible and maximum out-of-pocket expenses are $6,600. Therapy services are subject to a $30 copay.

The monthly single rates (full-time students) for the Personal Choice, Keystone Standard, and Keystone Premier are $256, $239, and $247 respectively. Prices for family coverage are quite high, like most college plans. They are $750, $709, and $736. To cover a student and one dependent, the monthly rates are $570, $533, and $553.

Duquesne – All full-time undergraduate, graduate, and international students are required to select the official student health plan, or provide proof that qualified coverage is in currently in effect.  Highmark BCBS underwrites the Duquesne plan by providing PPO Blue coverage. The cost is $1,895.84, which is billed in the fall and the spring ($972.92 and $922.92). The policy deductibles are $500 per person and $1,000 per family. The maximum out-of-pocket expenses are $4,500 and $9,000 respectively.

Retail clinic and pcp office visit copays are $25, while the specialist visit copay is $35. The Urgent Care copay is $50, while the ER copay is $125, with 80% coverage thereafter. Pediatric dental and vision routine visits are covered at 100%. Prescription drugs do not have a deductible to meet. The retail copays for a 31-day supply are $10 for generic, $35 for formulary brand, and $50 for non-formulary brand. the 90-day copay for maintenance drugs are $20, $70, and $100.

Carnegie-Mellon -Full-time students (Pittsburgh and Silicon Valley campuses) are required to have medical coverage that satisfies the school’s requirements. If other coverage meets the University requirements, a waiver can be granted. The healthcare plan is underwritten by Aetna, one of the nation’s largest carriers. The annual cost for a single student is $2,039. Adding a dependent increases the rate to $4,043. The annual family rate is $6,047. The annual individual dental and vision coverage rates are $214 and $82.44 respectively. Family rates are $538 and $224.64.

The annual deductible is $250 with  maximum out-of-pocket expenses of $5,000. The office visit and Urgent Care copays are $25, while the ER copay is $125. Diagnostic tests are subject to a $25 copay and imaging is subject to a $40 copay. Hospital room and board, and intensive care expenses, are covered with a $150 copay. 100% coverage of the negotiated price is provided after the copay has been paid. Therapy (radiation, inhalation, chemotherapy, kidney dialysis, and respiratory) is paid at 100% of the negotiated charge.

The generic and preferred brand drug copays are $15 and $35. The non-preferred brand and specialty drug copay is $65. A waiver (deductible and copay) is given for many female prescription drug contraceptives.

Drexel – All students are required to furnish proof of coverage by August 30th. A waiver is granted of a set of specific requirements are met. $2,500 is the maximum allowed deductible (exception for HSAs), and mental health and substance abuse benefits must be included. At least $500,000 of benefits must be provided by a carrier licensed and approved to conduct business in the US. And of course, pre-existing conditions must be covered.

Current coverage is underwritten by Aetna with the following annual rates: Student – $2,166. Student plus spouse or child – $4,292. Student plus two (or more) children – $6,418. Student plus spouse and child – $6,418. Student plus spouse plus two (or more) children – $8,544. Law students and college of medicine students pay slightly higher premiums.

The deductible is $100 (per person) with  maximum out-of-pocket expenses of $5,000. Office visit copays are $20, with an Urgent Care copay of $30. The copays for generic, preferred brand, and non-preferred brand drugs are $15, $30, and $45.

Villanova – Unless a waiver is granted, all students (domestic undergraduate, and international)  are required to maintain health insurance benefits. UnitedHealthcare offers coverage at the following non-renewable one-year annual rates: Single – $1,985 Spouse – $1,985. Each child – $1,985. Spouse plus two or more children – $5,955.

The in-network deductible is $200 ($600 out-of-network) with  maximum out-of-pocket expenses of $2,000 per person and $4,000 per family. Coinsurance is 90%. It closely resembles Marketplace Platinum-tier contracts. Prescription drug copays  for Tiers 1, 2, and 3, are $15, $30, and $45. Most benefits  are provided with the “preferred allowance.” Examples include room and board, intensive care, physician visits, diagnostic tests, x-rays, procedures, ambulance services, Urgent Care,  and medical emergency expenses.

Bloomsburg State – Similar to IUP, Bloomsburg does not offer a specific plan to its student body, but offers online links that provide basic information to help in the selection process. However, University fees cover basic  treatment from the Student Medical Center. Part-time physicians and registered nurses can be accessed by appointments (only). There is no limit on the number of times a student can visit. Annual physicals and pregnancy testing are offered for a small cost.

Kutztown State – Students are not offered a University-sponsored plan. However, if the health center fee has been paid, and the appropriate medical forms have been completed,  a campus ambulatory facility (Clinical Services) is provided. Although walk-in business is allowed, appointment are preferred.  Routine treatment is provided for several services, including routine physicals, allergy injections, immunizations, flu or cold, strep testing, vomiting and diarrhea.

West Chester University – Student healthcare coverage is longer offered. Previously, plans utilizing the Cigna PPO network were available. Student Health Services, located on the ground floor at Commonwealth Hall, can be utilized. The fee charged for a visit is $12 if the health services charge has been paid with tuition. Otherwise, the charge is $20. Many services are available, including basic health care, allergy shots, immunizations (Hepatitis B, HPV, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, and tetanus), medications, disposal of needles, TB testing, prescribing oral contraceptives, STI testing, and GYN exams.

Impact Of Legislation

A student “Bill Of Rights” is available, which can be found by clicking on this link. This final ruling  is  part of  “The Affordable Care Act.” It’s very long and wordy, so we’ll quickly summarize it. Annual limits may not be less than $100,000 on essential health benefits. Also, the “MLR” (Medical Loss ratio) applies, although plans will be considered separately instead of state by state. Of course, the much longer version can be found through the link.

You may also remain on a parent’s policy until age 26, assuming certain residency and eligibility guidelines are met. This can result in lower premiums (sometimes) and identical benefits to other family members. A comprehensive Group plan will often feature low deductibles and copays. If a chronic illness is present, purchasing an upper-end Exchange plan may lower out-of-pocket costs, especially if non-generic specialty drugs are needed.

Summary

Your free quote only takes a few minutes (see top of page). It allows you to easily see the rates from the best companies. You can also call or email us. We’ll help you choose the best plan, and explain the easiest way to apply for coverage. If your school or University needs written confirmation, we will provide it.