888-765-5400Student Health Insurance for Back to School
NC Health Plans offers temporary student health insurance for qualified individuals over the age of 19 or students who are 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 your student will not have to miss even one day of class time!
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. Over the last few years, more and more colleges and universities have joined the insurance bandwagon as they realize the benefits of knowing their students are covered in case of accident or illness. Most colleges and universities now require a proof of insurance before students can begin taking classes, which can present an interesting problem.
College classes typically begin in late August or early September, but Open Enrollment for health insurance does not begin until November, with plans taking effect in January. Unless you have a qualifying life event, you will not be able to enroll in an ACA-approved qualified health plan outside of Open Enrollment and that can leave parents and new students who are uninsured in 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?
A good option is short term health insurance.
Keep in mind that Open Enrollment begins November 1, 2016 and that would be the best time to make sure you enroll your student in a Qualified Health Plan with coverage beginning January 1, 2017. 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 short term health insurance plan could be the answer you are looking for. Although there are some limitations to short term health plans, a temporary policy can ensure you have coverage while you wait for Open Enrollment to begin.
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.
For more information on North Carolina insurance coverage, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our experienced and professional agents.