Health Insurance Program - Procedures & Practices for International F-1 Students

-MINIMUM COVERAGE INCREASE: Due to changes in healthcare law, F-1 students enrolled anytime between Fall 2013 and summer 2014, will be required to show proof of coverage of at least $500,000 if requesting an insurance waiver. Students enrolled during Fall 2014 and beyond will need to have unlimited coverage.

General Information

• F-1 Medical Insurance Waiver Requests
• USING the Medical Benefits: Medical Appointments and Filling Prescriptions
• Medical Coverage while on Medical Leave/Reduced course Load (RCL)

Mandatory International F-1 Student Medical Insurance: General Information

1. All F-1 international students with a Lone Star College (LSC) issued I-20, who enroll with LSC, must purchase a student medical insurance plan offered through Academic Health Plans, unless a waiver is approved by the LSCS Risk Management Office prior to the 1st day of class. The insurance requirement for students who are approved for a change of status to F-1 after the semester has started will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
2. Insurance coverage is continuous from 8/21 through 1/14 for the Fall semester, and 1/15 through 8/20 for the Spring/Summer semesters.
3. Students must be on F-1 status with LSCS to obtain coverage under this medical program; F-1 students enrolled through another university or college are ineligible for coverage.
4. As part of the insurance plan, students must actively attend class the first 31 days of school.
5. Insurance reports are finalized with the insurance company after the "Day of Record".
6. Students who are "late start" or taking summer classes must be reported to Risk Management by the DSO. Please make certain you confirm with your DSO to make certain coverage is active.
7. In order to understand the benefits of the program, it is important that all students attend orientations and view the Insurance Overview (PPT) . Students are also encouraged to read the Medical Insurance Brochure for further information on eligibility, exclusions to your benefits and prescription drug coverage.
   
   For benefits and information on the information below for the 2012-2013 policy period please visit the AHP-LSCS 2012-2013 website 
   • Global Assistance
   • Claim filing procedures
   • Dependent enrollment coverage information
   • Insurance ID Cards (temporary)
   • Premium costs (PDF)

    8.  If a student has an unresolved issue with his/her insurance plan through Academic Health Plans, the student 
         should contact his/her international student advisor (ISA) to complete an Issue Reporting Form (Word doc).

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F-1 Medical Insurance Waiver Requests

1. Students covered fully by other plans may request an insurance waiver. For a waiver request for either the Fall 2012, Spring 2013, or Summer 2013 semesters, please complete the 2012-2013 Insurance Waiver Request Form (PDF). For waivers for Fall 2013, please complete the 2013-2014 Insurance Waiver Request Form (PDF).
2. Waiver requests are only valid for one semester and must comply with strict timeframe and guidelines.
3. A new waiver request must be submitted prior to the start of each future semester.
   
   You may qualify for a waiver if you have existing medical coverage from any of the following:
   • National Health Plan
   • Embassy
   • Employer
   • A Lone Star College System approved Exchange Program that is valid and recognized for medical benefits in the U.S.
   • A health plan in which insurance coverage is equivalent to, or better than, Lone Star College System's mandatory policy
4. If a student has previously been approved for a waiver and wishes to be waived for the next semester, they may complete the Insurance Waiver Request Form and select "Renewal Request" on the form.  For a waiver request for either the Fall 2012, Spring 2013, or Summer 2013 semesters, please complete the 2012-2013 Insurance Waiver Request Form (PDF). For waivers for Fall 2013, please complete the 2013-2014 Insurance Waiver Request Form (PDF).
5. Waiver requests should be submitted to your International Student Advisor approximately 45 days prior to the start of the semester to avoid process delays and in order to remove fees prior to registration payment. Students may submit a waiver request for each semester no earlier than 75 days preceding the start of the semester.
6. Late requests for a waiver will not be accepted after the first day of class. All waiver requests should include the student's LSCS ID number and their proper name (as on their passport and INS paperwork). Any exceptions to the above must be coordinated with Risk Management prior to Official Day. After Risk Management reviews the waiver, the DSO will notify the student of the waiver approval or denial.
7. Students must provide copies of the policy in English as provided by the insurance company, a copy of their current insurance identification card (front and back), and other documentation such as a letter from the insurance company confirming the period of coverage.
8. Travel policies, or those limited in scope within the U.S., will not be accepted as a medical plan, and all policies must have U.S. phone numbers and claim offices.
9. Insurance plan must cover maternity and mental health.
10. If a policy expires during the semester, a student is required to provide updated proof of coverage.
11. LSCS Risk Management reserves the right to approve or deny requests for waivers.

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Using the Medical Benefits: Medical Appointments and Filling Prescriptions During the 2012-2013 Coverage Period 

Students enrolled in Lone Star's insurance plan with AHP at any time between Fall 2012 and Summer 2013, may obtain an insurance ID Card online at Academic HealthPlans (AHP) 2012-2013 website. Please contact your ISA or AHP directly if you experience any problems.

How to Make a Medical Appointment

1. Students may select a doctor from the list of providers by selecting BlueChoice PPO Plan and entering their city or zip code. They may also contact Academic HealthPlans directly at 1-855-247-2273 for assistance.
2. When calling the provider of your choice to schedule an appointment, mention that Academic HealthPlans is your health provider. The provider will contact AHP to verify insurance coverage. There may be a slight delay in verifying insurance at the beginning of each semester (August-September and January-February) due to enrollment processes in place.
3. Students should remember to bring their insurance card to the appointment! At their first visit, they will be responsible for paying the deductible and co-payment ("co-pay"), and possibly other expenses at the appointment.
4. After they see a doctor, they must complete a Claim Form in order to be reimbursed for their expenses (excluding co-pay and deductibles). Instructions for mailing the Claim Form and bills are found on the Academic HealthPlans 2012-2013 website.
5. Students should write their Student I.D. number on all insurance forms when corresponding with AHP.
6. Emergencies or Urgent Care: Students should call 911 on their telephone or go to an Urgent Care Center. Urgent Care options may be found using the provider search and selecting the Student Accident Network option, and searching by "Specialty or Facility". Select "Urgent Care" from the Facilities section.

How to Fill a Prescription
Pharmaceutical benefits are provided through Prime Therapeutics. To fill a prescription, students should select a pharmacy from the Pharmacy Locator. Show the pharmacy ID Card to the pharmacy to receive the proper benefits. The student then pays for their portion of the medication costs.

If assistance is needed, a student has difficulty finding a doctor or has questions about benefits, call Academic HealthPlans at 1-855-247-2273 .

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Medical Coverage while on Medical Leave/ Reduced Course Load (RCL)

1. Students interested in continued medical coverage while on a Medical Leave or Reduced Course Load (RCL) must comply with strict deadlines.
2. In order to extend coverage for a semester without attending classes, the student must promptly submit dated documentation to support the request.
3. Supporting documentation must be received prior to the start of the semester. Students should work with their DSO to avoid termination of their medical coverage.
4. The DSO should immediately notify LSCS' Risk Management department of the medical coverage request.
5. Proof of the leave and the request for coverage must be reviewed and approved by AHP and insurance company, who reserve the right to contact the medical provider to confirm eligibility complies with the Plan.
6. If approved, Risk Management will have the fee charged in iStar and will notify the DSO. The student must pay the fee without delay, i.e., and comply with the same deadlines as those used for semester registration. It is important to note that any exceptions to the above must be approved by Risk Management as in compliance with insurance policy rules and regulations.

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