Find A Doctor Or Hospital In Your Network.
You may still be able to get 2021 health care coverage.
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Final exams are right around the corner which means that college students are hitting the books to prepare for exams, extra credit and papers. But there is one thing students may not have thought to prepare for — what you will do if you get sick or hurt?
Even if you are fit and healthy now, it’s always a good idea to have health insurance in case something should happen.
Getting insurance and learning how to use it while you are away at school doesn’t have to be hard or overwhelming! Here’s what you need to consider.
Know Your Options
Consider a Student Health Plan: Your school may offer its own health insurance plan. These plans are often less costly than your parents’ family plan because they are designed and priced for students, not the general market. They also may provide network care options on campus or nearby.We offer student health plans for a number of schools, called AcademicBlueSM. Our student health plans:
For a list of universities who offer these plans, visit our website.
Check out the Health Insurance Marketplace: You also have the option of looking for a health plan on the Health Insurance Marketplace — the website created under the Affordable Care Act. Shopping on the Marketplace might be a good idea if your budget is tight — which is often the case for students. If you get a plan on the Marketplace, you may qualify for tax credits that can lower your monthly premium payments and provide other savingsWe offer a number of plans on the Marketplace, but please note that you can only enroll in one during Open Enrollment or after certain life events. Open Enrollment for 2021 begins on Nov. 1, 2020 and it ends on Dec. 15, 2020. For health coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2021 you must enroll by Dec. 15, 2020.
Stay on Your Parents’ Plan: If you are younger than age 26, you may not have to worry about finding a health insurance plan! You may be able to stay on your parents’ plan if it covers children.
But if you are going to school in a different state, you’ll want to make sure there are doctors, hospitals and other health care providers near campus that are covered by your parents’ plan. Not having in-network providers nearby can make things tricky if you get sick or hurt. You may have to pay extra to see an out-of-network provider or miss out on school to travel home to get care.
Are You Currently a BCBSOK Member?
Finding a network doctor near school: I If your school is far from home you’ll want to make sure there are network doctors, hospitals and other health care providers near school. You can find in-network providers with Provider Finder®.
To access Provider Finder:
You won’t have to select your network or plan — it will automatically be displayed. All you have to do is enter the right ZIP code and start your search.
Using your benefits out of your service area: If your school is not in Oklahoma (also known as your plan’s service area), you may still be able to use your benefits through the Blue Cross Blue Shield Global® Core program or Away from Home Care® programs.
Still unsure about your insurance options? We can help! Send us your questions in a private message or in the comments below.
* The Blue Cross Blue Shield Global® Core program Program is not available for Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D plan members. HMO plan members can use the Global Core Program only for emergency or urgent care when traveling or away from home for less than 90 days.