Health Insurance Information

(From NAFSA: Association of International Educators)

The Affordable Care Act

The Affordable Care Act will allow all Americans to have affordable health insurance.  It requires that everyone in the United States have health insurance.  Find the full law here.  The Gallagher Koster insurance provided by Vanderbilt University complies with ACA requirements.  If you choose not to utilize the Gallagher Koster insurance, look for a plan that is ACA compliant.  All F-1 and J-1 Visa holders are required to do this, unless they are going to be in the United States for less than 3 months.

What is the Affordable Care Act?

What will happen if you don’t follow the ACA?

Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Affordable Care Act – ACA), beginning January 1, 2014 individuals who do not maintain “minimum essential healthcare coverage” must make an additional payment to the IRS when they pay their taxes. This is often called the “individual mandate.” On June 28, 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the “individual mandate” provision of the ACA.

What to Look for in an Insurance Plan

(From NAFSA: Association of International Educators)

Checklist for Optimal Insurance Coverage

- Low co-pay/deductible
- Having Vanderbilt or other nearby providers in network
- No pre-existing condition exclusion (or very limited)
- Inpatient or outpatient treatment for non-emergency illness or injury, including
participation in intercollegiate, interscholastic, intermural, or club sports
- Treatment of specified therapies, including acupuncture and physiotherapy
- Emergency care and hospitalization
- Inpatient or outpatient treatment for mental and nervous disorders, including drug or
alcohol abuse, and regular counseling or therapy sessions
- Laboratory tests/services
- Prescription drugs, including oral contraceptives and devices
- Dental repairs or treatment
- Professional ground or air ambulance service to nearest hospital
- Medical evacuation to home city/country
- Bedside visit/emergency reunion (for close friend or family member)
- Repatriation of mortal remains
- Accidental death and dismemberment benefit
- Coverage in countries under U.S. Department of State Travel Warnings or the Office of
Foreign Assets Controls sanctions, if applicable
- Reliable, high quality 24-7 assistance services (phone and email) for use of insured
services, lost travel documents, visa services if needed for ground/air
transportation to a third country, locating quality doctors, managing medical
cases, etc.

(From NAFSA: Association of International Educators)

Which Health Service Should you use?

Not every medical situation requires a visit to the hospital emergency department.  Waiting until the next day to see the doctor or going to an urgent care facility instead often will take care of a problem.

(Adapted from Michigan State University)