888-765-5400Need Insurance for Back to School? – Get Covered Today!
In the fall of 2010, The University of North Carolina system mandated insurance coverage for students at all of its 16 institutions throughout the state. In fact, over the last few years, more and more higher education institutions have joined the insurance bandwagon as they realize the benefits of knowing their students are covered in case of accident or illness. By 2015, most colleges and universities now require a proof of insurance before students can begin taking classes… which can present an interesting problem.
Under the Affordable Care Act, outside of Open Enrollment an individual must have a Qualifying Life Event in order to enroll in health insurance. Unfortunately, starting a university or college program does not qualify as a life event as defined by the federal government and this can leave parents and new students who are currently uninsured in a bit of a bind.
The good news is that many colleges and universities offer health insurance on a semester basis. The bad news is that many university policies end during the months when school is not in session, which can leave a big gap in coverage. Even further, many health plans offered by schools are quite expensive or don’t offer the depth or quality of coverage many students need. So what is the answer?
The most important thing to keep in mind is that Open Enrollment begins November 1, 2015 and that would be the time to make sure you enroll your student in a Qualified Health Plan with coverage beginning January 1, 2016. All Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health plans are qualified under The Affordable Care Act and will give your student a broad range of coverage for preventive care, as well as for an accident or illness.
In the meantime, however, a good option is temporary health insurance.
NC Health Plans offers temporary health insurance for qualified individuals over the age of 19 or a student who is not yet 19 can be on a short term policy with a parent or guardian. These plans can begin as soon as the very next day so that your student will not have to miss even one day of class time. Although there are some limitations to short term health plans, a temporary policy can be the answer you are looking for while you wait for Open Enrollment 2015 to begin.
College students tend to be one of the largest demographics of uninsured Americans and universities and colleges all over the country are mandating coverage in order to change that statistic. Don’t let your college student fall through the gap! If you find yourself without a Qualifying Life Event and unable to enroll in coverage until Open Enrollment, don’t wait. Enroll in a temporary health insurance policy! You won’t have to miss class and you will have the peace of mind of knowing you are covered for all of your health care needs.