5.3.3 - OUHSC Student Medical Insurance Coverage

Per the University of Oklahoma Regents’ Policy, all students enrolled in OU Health Sciences Center (OUHSC) programs are responsible for maintaining health insurance and providing coverage information each semester of enrollment in their programs. A student who is found to be uninsured will receive notification from HSC Student Affairs and their academic dean’s office regarding lack of compliance and possible delay in the academic program, including clinical participation, and advancement.

Students have the option to either purchase an OU Student Health Insurance Plan or provide proof of comparable coverage and a waiver. Purchasing insurance or submitting a waiver must be done before the OUHSC deadline which varies every period. For more information regarding the Student Health Insurance Plan or waiver, visit https://ouhsc.myahpcare.com/ . 

NOTE: Graduating students - If you are purchasing the OU Student Health Insurance Plan for the Spring semester consider purchasing the plan that provides coverage until June 30th. This will ensure you have coverage beyond your hectic graduation month. Plus, if you are starting employment, you may need this coverage while you transition to your new employer's health plan.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Do I have the option to not have medical coverage?

No. As an OUHSC student, this is an enrollment requirement to attend class and clinic. You must purchase the OU Student Health Insurance Plan or provide coverage information that you are covered on another medical plan.

Students who do not have coverage or acceptable medical coverage may purchase the OU Student Health Insurance plan. To purchase the plan, visit: https://ouhsc.myahpcare.com/ 

Students can also enroll their spouse and dependents on the plan. Rates are based on which plan you choose. Other benefits of the plan include:

• $500 deductible, many services covered at 100%
• Needle stick coverage IS included with the plan
• Opt-out waiver is NOT required
• ACA Compliant
• Coverage at home, school, and while traveling abroad
• BCBS participating provider network
• Multi-lingual 24/7 Nurseline
• Prescription drug coverage

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. If I purchase the OU Student Health Insurance Plan, do I still have to complete a waiver?

No. You only need to submit a waiver if your insurance coverage is not through the OU Student Health Insurance Plan.

2. If I purchase the OU Student Health Insurance Plan, do I need to purchase Needle Stick coverage?

No. Needle Stick coverage is an included perk of the OU Student Health Insurance Plan.

3. The premium is very high; can I make monthly payments?

No. The premium amounts quoted are for the full semester and must be paid for at the time of purchase. 

4. I was able to get cheaper insurance after I paid for the Student Health Insurance Plan. Will they refund me the difference?

Unfortunately, they will not. Your coverage will stay in effect until the end of the semester and if you have other coverage, you will have primary and secondary coverage.

5. How much is the OU Student Health Insurance Plan?

There are different coverage options and periods, but the plan is roughly $335 per month for student coverage. For the most up-to-date information, go to: https://ouhsc.myahpcare.com/ for the Student Health Insurance Benefit Summary.

6. I am not attending classes during the summer, which plan should I purchase?

Your best option would be to choose the plan that covers dates from (FALL 2) August 15 to December 31 and (SPRING) January 1 to May 31.

7. If I purchase the OU Student Health Insurance Plan, will that cover any immunizations and titers that I need for enrollment?

The student health insurance will cover all of your vaccinations and most of the cost of the titers.

8. I received a notice to renew my OU Student Health Insurance Plan before my current plan expires. Can I renew this plan now for fall?

Yes. You can enroll for the next semester; be sure to select the plan that expires at the end of the next semester. For example: If currently in the Summer semester, the Fall semester would end on December 31^st. Pick the plan that also expires on December 31^st.  Coverage is effective as follows:

Sessions                                 Begins                Ends

Fall 1                                        7/1                 12/31

Fall 2                                        8/15                12/31

Spring                                       1/1                  5/31

Spring/Summer                         1/1                  6/30

Summer                                     6/1                 6/30

Students can opt out of the purchase of the OU Student Health Insurance Plan if they have OTHER acceptable coverage. If you have coverage from another source, you MUST opt-out with your proof of coverage. Proof of coverage can include a valid copy of the front and back of your medical insurance card or a Letter of Coverage from your medical insurance provider stating you are a covered member of the plan.

Any HSC student who has coverage as an employee or dependent on the OU Employee Group Health Plan, other employer-sponsored ACA-compliant group health plan, Tribal coverage, Military coverage, or SoonerCare will be deemed to have acceptable forms of insurance coverage. Your Opt-out waiver will be approved.

Students must purchase Needle Stick coverage to upload into Complio if utilizing the Opt-Out Waiver. Proof of purchase includes the student's name, type of coverage, beginning and end dates of coverage, and amount paid. The front and back copy of the Needle Stick card is not acceptable proof of coverage.

Deadlines vary each enrollment period. The COD’s deadline is BEFORE the campus deadline. If the COD’s deadline passes and you have NOT opted out or purchased the Student Health Insurance plan, you will have instruments held, chart locks applied, or be removed from class/clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Where do I go to submit my waiver?

Domestic students can complete their waiver here:  https://www2.academichealthplans.com/school/5002.html

International students can complete their waiver here:  https://www2.academichealthplans.com/school/5007.html

2. What is my waiver site password?

Unless you previously changed it, your password is your 8-digit date of birth in MMDDYYYY format.

3. How often do I have to submit a waiver?

All students enrolled in OU Health Sciences Center (OUHSC) programs are responsible for maintaining health insurance and providing coverage information each semester or trimester of enrollment in their programs. If you attend Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters, you will submit three waivers. If you attend Fall and Spring, you will submit two waivers.

4. What is the waiver deadline? 

Each semester has its deadline. The fall semester is in August, the Spring semester is in January, and the Summer semester is in June. Visit https://ouhsc.myahpcare.com/waiver for the timeframes and deadlines for each semester. Submit your waiver ONE WEEK before the deadline indicated in case you need to upload additional documentation before the site closes.

5. How long does it take to receive notification that my waiver was approved?

A separate email as to whether your waiver request has been approved or denied will be sent from Academic Health Plans within seven business days.

6. Should I wait until the last minute to complete my waiver?

NO. Complete your waiver as soon as possible. If you need to supply additional paperwork to show compliance, you will have plenty of time.  If your insurance coverage is not compliant, you will need to purchase the OU Student Health Insurance Plan or coverage through the Healthcare Marketplace Insurance before the deadline. If you have trouble signing in, let Student Affairs know as soon as possible.

7. What happens if I do not complete my waiver or purchase insurance before the deadline?

The system automatically closes and you will not fulfill your OU Board of Regents requirement for enrollment, therefore, you will not be able to attend classes or clinic.

8. Do I upload my medical insurance information into Complio?

The ONLY time you will upload any medical insurance information into Complio is if you are enrolled in the OU Student Health Insurance Plan to satisfy your Needle Stick Coverage requirement. Otherwise, you will only upload your receipt for Needle Stick Coverage.  Either receipt must display your name, plan purchased, member ID, coverage beginning and end dates, and amount paid. Copies of the front and back of your insurance card are NOT acceptable as proof of coverage.

9. I have medical insurance already, what do I need to upload as my proof of coverage for the waiver system?

You will need to make sure that your medical card has your name listed. If your name is listed, then you can upload a front and back copy of the insurance card. You may be asked for a Letter of Coverage and a summary of plan benefits from your insurance company. This information can be found on most insurance company’s patient portals. If your name is not listed, you will either need to get a new card with your name on it or ask your insurance carrier for a Letter of Coverage stating you are covered under that policy. Medical coverage policy must be a) active on, or before, the first day of classes, b) list coverage dates until the end of the semester, c) be printed in English, and d) quoted in United States currency.

10. I have military or Veteran’s insurance, what can I upload as my proof of coverage?

You can submit a front and back copy of your military ID and your Social Security card as your proof or you can ask your insurance carrier for a Letter of Coverage stating your policy is in effect.

11. I have Tribal coverage, what can I upload as my proof of coverage?

You can submit a front and back copy of your Tribal ID, CDIB card, or a Letter of Coverage from your tribe stating you have coverage and a front and back copy of your Social Security card.

12. I have a Health Sharing Plan; is this acceptable medical coverage?

No. Health Sharing Plans are not compliant with ACA coverage. You will need to purchase the OU Student Health Insurance Plan or another plan through the Healthcare Marketplace.

13. What do I do if my insurance card is in my maiden name and I haven’t changed it yet?

You will need to upload your marriage license with your proof of medical coverage.  Be sure to save all of your documents with the last name that you are enrolled with before uploading.

14. If my deductible is too high, will my waiver be denied?

Medical coverage must be comparable to the HSC student health insurance plan including a $1000 or less deductible for Domestic students or a $500 or less deductible for International students plus have a similar benefit model.

15. What are some other reasons why my waiver would be denied?

Medical coverage must meet the Minimum Essential Coverage as required by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) such as

a) no exclusions for pre-existing conditions

b) preventive care and women’s health care as required by the ACA covered at 100%

c) no annual or lifetime limits.

Healthcare-sharing groups do not meet the requirements for acceptable alternative health insurance. Membership in a healthcare-sharing group will not be accepted for waiver approval. You will then need to purchase the OU Student Health Insurance Plan or a comparable plan through the Healthcare Marketplace.

16. I tried to log in to complete my waiver and got a message that “my school had not authorized me to fill out this form”; what should I do?

Please refer to the email sent out by Student Affairs titled Student Health Insurance & Waiver Information. Although you may be currently enrolled with the COD, you will not be able to access the waiver system until the new term activation date. This date varies by semester but it will be listed within the email from Student Affairs.

17. The waiver site is asking for proof of my insurance; what does that mean?

You will need to supply them with a copy of the front and back of your insurance card but your name must be on it first.  If the insurance card does not contain your name, you can either get a new card sent to you or get a Letter of Coverage from your insurance carrier as proof. The waiver site can also ask you to provide a Summary of Medical Benefits.

1. Medical coverage must meet the Minimum Essential Coverage requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Student must provide evidence that they are eligible for, and enrolled in, ACA compliant individual coverage purchased through the Exchange (HealthCare.gov) or other ACA compliant individual coverage purchased from an insurance carrier based in the United States.

2. Medical coverage must be CURRENTLY active, in effect, and list coverage dates that cover the entire semester/trimester being waived. Medical coverage cannot become effective AFTER classes have started, if you are seeking a waiver.

3. Policy must be in English and any premiums or amounts quoted must be in US currency/dollars.

4. Policy cannot exclude pre-existing conditions and must include a list of the exclusions.

5. International Students must also maintain coverage for repatriation of remains to their home country and medical evacuation to their home country. The benefit for repatriation may not be less than $25,000, and the benefit for medical evacuation may not be less than $50,000.

6. If an International Student’s health plan does not include medical evacuation and repatriation, a rider must be purchased providing coverage at equal limits to the student health insurance plan as follows:

• A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness
• Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
• Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000
• Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to their home country in the amount of $50,000

International Students may waive the Student Health Insurance Plan if:

1. Student is eligible for, and enrolled in, coverage that is backed by the full faith and credit of the government of the exchange visitor’s home country and is provided through an ACA compliant plan.

2. Student is sponsored by the US government or other sponsoring entity that has guaranteed payment of all health expenses, and repatriation and evacuation expenses.

3. Student is enrolled exclusively in distance learning classes at the university.

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center students (in Oklahoma City or Tulsa) participating in clinical learning environments are required to have coverage for needle stick injuries. Students may purchase this on a stand-alone basis. If you are enrolling in the OUHSC Student Health Insurance Plan through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, this benefit is included and does not have to be purchased separately. 

Students who have other primary medical coverage can enroll at https://ouhsc-needlestick.myahpcare.com/. Upload proof of your purchase into Complio. Your receipt should include the student's name, the type of coverage, the beginning and end dates of coverage, and the amount paid. Uploading a front and back copy of your Needle Stick coverage card is not acceptable proof. 

The cost of the policy is $74 per policy year and it is NOT pro-rated. The policy year begins on July 1 and ends on June 30. 

Plan benefits include:

• $2000 plan maximum per policy year
• 100% coverage at OU Student Health
• Covered expenses
  • Outpatient doctor visits
  • Outpatient lab tests
  • Medications necessary to treat exposure to a needle stick, body fluid splatter, or bloodborne pathogen
• Emergency room visits

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How do I prove I have Needlestick Insurance if I didn’t receive a new card?

You will not receive a new card every year. You will upload your enrollment receipt for either the Needle Stick coverage or the OU Student Health Insurance Plan into Complio. Be sure the receipt shows your name, plan purchased, member ID, coverage beginning and end dates, and amount paid for it to be valid. Copies of the front and back of your insurance card are NOT acceptable as proof of purchase to meet the Needle Stick requirement in Complio.

2. Do I have to buy Needlestick Insurance?

Yes, Needlestick Insurance is required for all College of Dentistry students. Needlestick Insurance is included as a benefit if you purchase the OU Student Health Insurance Plan.

If you have medical coverage that includes Needlestick as a benefit, OUCOD still requires purchasing this stand-alone insurance. In the event of an exposure, your doctor visits, lab tests, ER visits, and necessary medications are 100% covered up to $2000 per year.  If you choose to use your policy, you will be subject to all out-of-pocket costs, including copays, coinsurance, and deductibles up to your maximum out-of-pocket per your plan, or you may need a referral before treatment can be rendered. This could be several thousands of dollars if you have a high out-of-pocket maximum. The Needlestick Insurance will save you from that financial burden and ensure that you get all necessary medical care as required.

3. SoonerCare is stating my Needle Stick coverage is my primary insurance. How do I correct this to show SoonerCare as primary?

Contact SoonerCare by calling 405-522-7300 or 800-987-7767. Select the "Third Party Liability" (TPL) department if given options via the automated system. You will need your Needle Stick coverage information from your BCBS card. If directed to an online form, complete it, and return it to SoonerCare. SoonerCare will verify your coverage information with BCBS and remove the TPL information indicating SoonerCare is the primary payer for medical claims.

IF SoonerCare does NOT remove the TPL from your account, your claims will still be paid. Your provider will submit claims to BCBS as your primary medical payer. BCBS will deny the claims due to the charges not being a covered benefit. Your provider will then submit your claim to SoonerCare with the primary Explanation of Benefits (EOB) indicating no payment was made. SoonerCare will pay the claim as the primary payer. In this scenario it takes longer for your provider to get their claims paid; however, they will still be paid at the SoonerCare rate.