Frequently Asked Questions About Your Student Health Insurance (Chickering Insurance)
NOTE: Effective 2004-2005 policy year, there will be NO refunds of insurance after the waiver deadline.
Why is medical insurance on my bill?
How do I opt out of the University Health Insurance?
How do I prove I don’t need the University Health Insurance?
What is the deadline to submit the Insurance Decision Card?
What insurance carriers are comparable to the University Health Insurance?
What type of insurance is the University Health Insurance?
What does the University Health Insurance Plan cover?
How long does the health insurance policy last?
Can I add my family to my insurance?
Will I get an insurance card and when?
Student Health Insurance questions and contacts
Why is medical insurance on my bill?
The State of Massachusetts requires all students attending state universities to have medical insurance coverage. Therefore, ALL students are billed for insurance and can opt out of the school’s insurance if they have comparable insurance off campus. How do I opt out of the University Health Insurance?
You may waive the University Health Insurance if you either:
Have comparable Health Insurance through another insurance carrier and/or are enrolled at the school on a part time basis; meaning you are taking less than 9 undergraduate or less than 7 graduate credits.
NOTE: Free Care (Uncompensated Care) is not accepted as comparable insurance.
All international students must purchase the student health insurance plan.
How do I prove I don’t need the University Health Insurance?
You need to complete an Insurance Waiver specifying your qualifying health insurance carrier, or your part-time status. You may pick up an insurance decision card at the Bursar's Office located at the One Stop in the Campus Center.
Be aware that there is a deadline to waive your insurance. If your Insurance Decision Card is not received by the deadline, you will be responsible for the full medical insurance charge on your bill. For more information please visit the Bursar's Office web site.
What is the deadline to submit the Insurance Decision Card?
Please see the Bursar's Web Site for the deadline(s) (Fall and Spring) for the current academic year
What insurance carriers are comparable to the University Health Insurance?
The list of insurance carriers that are comparable is extensive. Once you fill out an Insurance Decision Card, you will be notified via mail if there is a question about your particular coverage, or if it is denied.
What type of insurance is the University Health Insurance?
QSHIP is a health insurance plan that is sponsored by a college or university and one that meets a specific level of benefits as required by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. At UMass Boston the Qualifying Student Health Insurance Plan is administered by the Chickering Group, an Aetna Company.
The student health insurance plan is easy to utilize. The University Health Services will be your primary care provider and will see you for all health concerns. For health services not provided on campus, a healthcare provider will refer you off campus. You MUST obtain a referral from one of our nurse practitioners prior to any health care visits off campus. Failure to do so will result in your being responsible for the entire bill you receive from an off campus provider. In case of an emergency, you should go to the emergency room of the closest hospital to you (urgent care facilities).
What does the University Health Insurance Plan cover?
You can read the insurance brochure on line here.
NOTE: Dental care (except for impacted wisdom teeth) is not covered. Dental coverage is now available through Delta Dental of Massachusetts at a very reasonable cost. Click here for information about the optional dental plan.
How long does the health insurance policy last?
If you purchase the insurance in the Fall, you will be covered until August 31 st of the following calendar year. If you purchase it in the Spring, you will be covered from the time you buy it until August 31 st of the same calendar year.
Can I add my family to my insurance?
You can add a spouse and children to your policy for an additional fee per person. For rates and details consult your insurance handbook or inquire at the Health Services.
Will I get an insurance card and when?
You will receive your insurance card in the mail from the insurance company after the University sends a paid list of students to them which generally takes 4-6 weeks into the semester. If you need an insurance card prior to receiving one in the mail, stop by the Health Services and speak with the Student Health Insurance Coordinator who can help you with that.
Medical Health Insurance Questions
For questions about:
- Insurance Benefits
- Dependent Enrollment/ID Cards
- Claims Processing
Please contact:
Chickering Claims Administrators Inc.
P.O. Box 410378
Cambridge, MA 02141-004
800-954-5799
For questions about:
- Student Health Insurance Plan claims issues
Please contact:
Missy Westhaver
University of Massachusetts Boston
Health Services
100 Morrissey Boulevard
Boston, MA
617-287-5660
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