American University and the Student Health Center are committed to keeping students healthy so they can achieve success in all areas of campus life. The Student Health Center provides primary care medical services, health education, and wellness programming to students. The Student Health Center also provides gynecological care, immunizations, and allergy injections. Although we can meet many of your health care needs, it may be necessary for you to access additional medical services. Health insurance will help cover the costs of additional care and services.

Health insurance is required of all full-time degree, resident, and international students with F1 and J1 visas.The American University student health insurance plan has been developed especially for AU students. The plan provides coverage for Accidents and Sicknesses that occur on and off campus and includes special cost-saving features to keep the coverage as affordable as possible.

2009-2010 Student Health Insurance Premiums

                                                                                                                       

	Annual	Spring/Summer	Summer
Student	$1,550	$980	$425
Spouse/Domestic Partner	$6,225	$3,960	$1,689
Each Child	$3,610	$2,296	$977

 

Why is there an increase in the cost of the plan as compared to 2008-2009?
While the plan is more expensive this year than last year, the increase in cost is the lowest percentage obtained after negotiations with various insurance vendors. One of the reasons that the cost of health insurance keeps increasing is because of rapid inflation in health care costs, particularly for prescription drugs and hospital care. Student health insurance plans are no exception. The cost of the plan is influenced by the combination of benefits in the plan.

Are there any changes in the plan?
The current plan design will be administered with several changes for the 2009-2010 plan year:

• Prescription Drug Copay Change/Introduction of Formulary
• • Generic Drugs: $10 copay
  • Formulary Brand: $25 copay
  • Non-formulary: $45 copay
• Addition of coverage for HPV vaccinations (HPV testing is currently covered under the plan)
• Addition of Transgender Benefits: Stand-alone benefit with a separate annual maximum of up to $3,000 for mental health counseling and hormone replacement therapy, including office visits, lab tests, and pharmacy for individuals diagnosed with gender intentity disorder.

All other benefits, including deductibles and in-network coinsurance percentages, will remain at the same level as in 2008-2009. Keeping the plan design similar to the 2008-2009 plan has allowed us to keep the percentage increase in cost as low as possible.

How does the cost of the AU plan compare to the cost of plans at other colleges and universities?
It is difficult to answer this question because every plan has a unique combination of benefits. However, the AU plan remains an excellent value for students compared to plans at other colleges and universities in the area. Prior to increases for the 2008-09 year, plans such as those at Georgetown University, Catholic University, and Johns Hopkins University were in the $1,300 to $1,600 range.

I am graduating from AU in December 2009 or May 2010. What are my options for health insurance?
Remember that all students covered by the AU plan for 2009-2010 who are graduating in May 2010 are covered through August 20, 2010. AU does not provide health insurance coverage beyond that time. Students who are graduating in December 2009 are also covered through August 20, 2010 but may wish to discontinue participation in the AU plan upon graduation. In this situation, a pro-rata refund of the premium may be made. Consult the American University policy brochure this summer at www.myaustudentinsurance.com for more information.

What other things do I need to know about the Student Health Insurance Plan?
When you accept the American University Student Health Insurance Plan, you are accepting the terms and policies of the plan. Please make sure you read the policy brochure carefully. The brochure will be available online at www.myaustudentinsurance.com this summer. You may also obtain a brochure and additional information at the Student Health Center. Please remember that students who are insured under the plan must obtain a referral during a visit with a Student Health Center provider prior to receiving treatment outside of the Student Health Center.