Navigating the OSU Student Health Plan: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding health insurance options can be daunting, especially for college students. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the health insurance landscape for students at Oregon State University (OSU) and Ohio State University (OSU), outlining available plans, benefits, and resources to help students make informed decisions about their healthcare coverage.
Health Services at OSU-Cascades
All services provided by OSU-Cascades Student Health and Wellness are covered by the student health fee.
Oregon State University (OSU) Health Insurance Options
Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)
Oregon State University offers the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), an affordable and easy-to-use insurance option available directly through the university. For students who don't have health insurance, it is available.
Oregon Health Plan (OHP)
College students in Oregon may qualify for the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) if they meet specific income and residency requirements. Eligibility is primarily based on monthly income, and many students with low or no income can get free health coverage, including medical, dental, and mental health services.
Health Insurance Marketplace
The Health Insurance Marketplace is a valuable resource where college students can compare and enroll in affordable health insurance plans. It offers financial help based on income, making it easier for students to get coverage that fits their budget and needs.
Read also: Understanding SHP
Dependent Coverage Under Parents' Plan
Under the Affordable Care Act, students can typically remain on a parent's or guardian's health insurance plan until they turn 26 years old. This applies even if the student is married, financially independent, or living away from home. To understand the specific benefits and coverage available for dependent coverage, contact your insurance provider directly.
International Students
International students are automatically enrolled in OSU's health insurance, and the charge is billed to the student's account. International students must purchase OSU's health insurance or show a record of similar coverage and request a waiver.
Using Insurance at Student Health Services
Oregon State University Student Health Services bills most major health insurance companies as an in-network provider. It is recommended adequate health insurance coverage for all Oregon State students. Students should contact their insurance company to find out whether it is in network at Oregon State and to learn about coverage.
Prior to your first appointment, visit the patient portal. As applicable, have ready the insurance subscriber's name, address and date of birth for the appointment.
Beginning the 2025-26 academic year, Student Health Services will bill most major health insurance companies as an in-network provider. They still courtesy bill all health insurances, other than out of state Medicaid and Medicare, which they are unable to accept.
Read also: Student Accessibility Services at USF
If you have insurance, contact your health insurer to verify your coverage. This is an important step if you have in-network or out-of-network coverage to better understand how your benefits will work in our clinics. Typically, there is a member services phone number on the back of your health insurance card.
When contacting your insurance company please use our Tax ID and/or NPI number, not individual provider name, to ensure we are in network.
All government plans are accepted except out-of-state Medicaid and Medicare.
If you would like to use a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings Card (HSA) or Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) for payment, please call 541-737-4184.
Additional Resources
Understanding health insurance can be frustrating, but the following resources are here to help you find the best plans for your needs. To learn more and find out how to enroll, contact a Benton County Health Department health navigator.
Read also: Guide to UC Davis Student Housing
Ohio State University (OSU) Health Insurance Requirements and Options
As a condition for enrollment at Ohio State University (OSU), students are required to be covered under a qualified health insurance plan. Audit, continuing education, non-degree, and “observe only” classes are not recognized as eligible classes. Distance learning classes are counted if regular classes are also taken.
Choosing a Health Insurance Plan
Students at Ohio State University have several options for meeting the health insurance requirement:
Private On and Off-Marketplace Coverage: Students can purchase private health insurance plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace or directly from insurance companies.
OSU Student Health Insurance Plan: Students can enroll in the comprehensive health insurance plan offered by OSU.
Coverage Under Parents' Plan: Students can remain on their parents' private or employer-provided health insurance plan until age 26.
Enrollment and Waiver Process
When registering for classes for the first calendar year term, the Buckeye Link will indicate the cost of coverage for the comprehensive plan option. That coverage can be kept, or waived, with proof of another qualified policy. If waived, a supplementary WilceCare policy also becomes available.
If you miss the Enrollment/Select/Waive period for changes to the comprehensive plan, a 31-day period is granted if you qualify for a “qualifying event,” and submit the appropriate form to SHI. However, any form received after that period will not be considered. Coverage can be requested to be added or terminated.
If no selection is made, the comprehensive plan will automatically be selected. Generally, you must select a choice about seven days before August Semester classes begin.
International Students
All international students must also meet these requirements, and are automatically enrolled in the “SHI Benefits” plan. Also, auto-enrolled are students that study overseas, interns, and persons working on dissertations or a thesis. However, if alternative qualified coverage is in-force, a waiver will be granted.
OSU Student Health Insurance Plan Details
The OSU student health insurance plan is offered and underwritten by UnitedHealthcare. The policy provides comprehensive healthcare benefits, including coverage for office visits, prescriptions, Urgent Care and ER visits, major medical, mental illness, dental, and vision.
Network and Coverage Tiers
The OSU Health Plan Network in Franklin County is a preferred provider in Tier 2. Outside of Franklin County, UnitedHealthcare Options PPO is utilized. “Tier 1” services are provided at the Wilce Student Health Center.
If network facilities are utilized, maximum out-of-pocket expenses will be minimized. Within the Franklin County PPO Network area, there are many available facilities. Additional specific network highlights include a low $150 deductible ($350 per family) and $3,000 ($6,000 per family) maximum out-of-pocket costs (in-network treatment). Also, no referrals are required.
Copays and Coinsurance
Vision and dental exams also feature the $15 copay. Urgent Care visits are subject to a $25 copay (Tier 2). An ER visit will result in a $100 copay and 10% coinsurance. If admitted, the copay is waived.
Wilce Student Health Center
By utilizing the facility, office visits, diagnostic lab tests and x-rays, allergy testing, treatment and injections, surgery, and outpatient procedures are covered at 100%. The benefit package was recommended by the Student Health Insurance Advisory Committee and approved by the Board of Trustees.
Counseling and consultation service (CCS) is included for students and covered dependents.
WilceCare Policy
If you opt out of the “comprehensive” option, and choose to utilize your own private plan, depending on your deductible and network benefits, higher out-of-pocket expenses could result, depending on the number of submitted claims.
The two main components of the contract are prescription drugs and outpatient treatment. In-hospital expenses, or any services provided away from the Wilce Center are not covered.
The Buck ID is the only identification needed for treatment. $2,000 is the maximum amount of benefits paid for the contract year. Once the maximum has been reached, covered services would discontinue.
Prescription drugs for conditions that are covered under the program. Coinsurance is 10% for generic drugs, 20% for brand name drugs (no possible generic substitute offered), and 50% for brand name drugs with generic substitute available. Preventative treatment.
Additional Health Insurance Options in Ohio
Anthem Blue Cross, Medical Mutual, Ambetter, CareSource, SummaCare, Oscar, Molina, and Paramount offer qualified guaranteed coverage including pediatric dental benefits.
Listed below are some of the best plans to consider for student health coverage in Ohio. $257 - Oscar Bronze Simple - HSA -$5,200 deductible with50% coinsurance.
Cost Considerations
For our comparison, we are assuming the insured is a healthy 20 year-old who lives in the Columbus area. It should be noted that rates vary, depending on where you live, your smoking status, and age. For this comparison, we did NOT include a federal subsidy, which can substantially lower premiums if you meet eligibility requirements.
Often, purchasing your own private coverage is much less expensive and many benefits will be much more comprehensive. It is also important to note that we are not affiliated with the OSU student health insurance program. However, optional coverage from many top-rated companies is very comprehensive, and rates are quite attractive.
Maximizing Health Plan Value
Save money by using the OSU Student Health Services Center To get the best value from your health plan, some health services are available to you from an on-campus health center. When you get your care from the OSU Student Health Services Center, there is no deductible or coinsurance for primary and preventive care.
PacificSource Resources
Your not-for-profit community health planUse this page to access information about your health plan benefits. Find out what’s covered and how much your insurance costs from the documents below.
Highlight and cost sheets
Voluntary student (Domestic, E-campus, Postdoctoral, PharmD, and Vet Resident) highlight and cost sheet. International and OSU INTO student highlight and cost sheet.
Student guides
Domestic student guide to PacificSource medical plans. Domestic student guide to PacificSource dental plans. International student guide to PacificSource medical plans. International student guide to PacificSource dental plans.
Insurance enrollment
Online enrollment formEnrollment form for Postdoctoral Fellows, Vet Residents, Visiting Scholars.
Important Notice from PacificSource About Your Prescription Drug Coverage and MedicareNotice of Change to Your Medical and Dental Plan Benefits
Digital Resources
Sign up for InTouch
Our InTouch portal gives you fast, secure, online access to your plan’s benefit details. You’ll also enjoy time-saving tools and shortcuts designed to help you manage your health your way.
Note: You can register for InTouch once coverage begins.
myPacificSource App
Got a smartphone or tablet? Your member IDYou can print a member ID card, once coverage begins. It has information providers use to bill us.
Get care
Getting care as a PacificSource member can take many forms. We’ve prepared a simple page to help guide you toward the best care choices for every situation.
Healthy Resources
Learn about our health-improving programs and money-saving discounts for our members.
Learning Center
Don’t know a “deductible” from a “copay?” No problem.
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