Student Health Insurance

The University System of Georgia student health insurance program for GSU graduate assistants (USG SHIP) will be offered by United Healthcare beginning fall semester, 2012.

The USG SHIP is a comprehensive, affordable core plan for graduate assistants (with full tuition waivers) with comprehensive covered benefits that meet the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) mandates as they apply to college and university student health insurance plans. The core plan benefits and premium rates are the same for graduate assistants with separate premium rates based on age category, as listed below:

Adjusted Premium Costs for Graduate Assistants with Full-time Tuition Waivers *

* These premium amounts have been reduced by cost offsets provided by the university and the College of Arts and Sciences. Higher rates without the cost offset may be listed on other university websites or plan brochures. Unadjusted premium costs are listed on the Student Accounts website at http://www.gsu.edu/studentaccounts/health_insurance.html.

Waiving the Insurance Requirement

Students who already have comparable insurance coverage can waive the insurance requirement by using an online process provided on the UnitedHeathcare's GSU webpage. A comparable plan is one that meets the minimum requirements indicated by the Georgia Board of Regents. UnitedHealthcare will determine if your coverage meets the minimum requirements. Please note thant no waivers for fall 2012 will be processed after September 25, 2012. Please be aware that students must opt out of the plan by applying for a waiver through the on- line process each semester.

Accessing Your Account

The USG SHIP 2012-3013 service offering includes a United Healthcare-Student Resources MyAccount online program for students to enroll or waive out of the USG SHIP (if they have comparable coverage) and access information about their insurance coverage on a 24/7/365 basis. This includes the ability to print an ID card or request a replacement ID card, check claims status, update personal information, contact United Healthcare-Student Resources with a question or comment, look up a network provider, and review plan coverage benefits. The site for GSU is at https://studentcenter.uhcsr.com/gsu.

A detailed USG SHIP brochure for Georgia State University is available at https://www.uhcsr.com/uhcsrBrochures/Public/ClientBrochures/2012-201-1-Interim%20Brochure-v2.pdf. Additional information, including premium rates for coverage of a spouse or family members as well as for an optional plan for other student populations are available on the university student accounts website at http://www.gsu.edu/studentaccounts/health_insurance.html.  

Plan Benefits

Accident and sickness coverage, including diagnosis and/or treatment of illness, injury, or medical conditions. Benefits include physician, hospital, surgical, pharmacy, legally mandated benefits inclusive of PPACA "recommended preventative services" (e.g., prophylactic vaccines at 100% with no co-payment or deductible), and behavioral health (mental health/substance abuse) services.

• 80% for in-network; 60% for out-of-network coverage
• Maximum annual limits of no less than $100,000
• Maximum annual out-of-pocket (stop-loss) for in-network/preferred providers of $4,500 per insured student
• Maximum annual out-of-pocket (stop-loss) for out-of-network providers of $7,500 per insured student
• Maximum annual deductible for in-network/preferred providers of $300 per insured student
• Maximum annual deductible for out-of-network providers of $500 per insured student
• Pharmacy/Prescription drug benefit -- 100% after $15 copayment for generic prescription medication per 30-day supply; $30 copayment for preferred brand name prescription medication per 30-day supply; $50 copayment for non-preferred brand name. In-Network Coverage Only. Per PPACA, no annual limits except if plan maximum annual limits exceed $100,000.
• Unlimited medical repatriation and medical evacuation benefits in support of international and domestic travel, except if plan maximum annual limits exceed $100,000.
• After hour nurse call service and after hour mental health hotline/call service at no additional cost for insured students and family members

* The deductible will be waived when treatment is rendered at the University Health Center. Balance billing will not apply towards satisfying the Policy Deductible.

The USG SHIP provides a strong, well established United Healthcare ChoicePlus managed care provider network, with a very large presence in Georgia and a strong focus on negotiated fees schedules. This network includes over 5,158 hospitals, 60,500 pharmacies and 659,900 physicians with a large number of network providers among this national base in the metropolitan Atlanta area.