Graduate Student Health Insurance Florida A&M University has always and continues to provide its graduate students with the opportunity to purchase insurance on a voluntary basis. Recently, the University has made provisions to pay the cost of student health insurance for eligible graduate students who have working contracts as graduate assistants. Frequently Asked Questions
How will students know that they are eligible for the University-funded
health insurance?
In order to be eligible for university-funded insurance, students must be:
· Be US Citizens or permanent residents
· Have signed a graduate assistant contract with an appointment of at least a .25 FTE (10 hours a week)
· Be enrolled as a regular full-time student
· Have signed up for a FAMU e-mail address
International students are required by law to purchase insurance before they can enroll in the university. Are they still eligible for university-funded coverage?
No. International students are not eligible for the university-based insurance because benefits offered are different from those required by state law.
When and how should an international student apply for insurance?
International students are required to be covered by health insurance for the duration of their academic program. Additional information may be found on the website of the Office of International Education and Development (OIED) at http://www.famu.edu/index.cfm?a=oied
What action will a student have to take to determine eligibility for the insurance?
When a full-time graduate student signs the employment contract, she/he must complete the School of Graduate Studies and Research “Certification for Eligibility for Health Insurance Form, ” and the “United Healthcare Insurance Enrollment Form.” The completed forms must then be submitted it to the adress below:
School of Graduate Studies and Research
515 Orr Drive
Room 469 Tucker Hall
Tallahassee, FL 32307
How will a student know if he/she has been certified to be eligible for the coverage?
Once eligibility or ineligibility is determined, a memo will be sent from the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, by e-mail to the student’s FAMU email account, indicating eligibility for coverage. The insurance benefits brochure will be attached to the memo. If the student has been determined eligible, the student must come to the School of Graduate Studies to sign a temporary ID card. Do all graduate assistants have to take the insurance?
No. If the students have other insurance coverage from their parents, employer or other sources, they do not have to take the insurance. It is
optional. International students are not eligible. What is the insurance coverage period?
Students are covered during the semester(s) in which they are employed What is the name of the insurance company that the University is contracted with?
The university works with United Healtcare Insurance, Inc. Who pays the premium for health insurance for graduate students?
The University pays the premium for the health insurance coverage for graduate assistants through the School of Graduate Studies and Research. What happens when a student’s contract assignment ends?
At the end of each semester, the School of Graduate Studies is required to check the eligibility of graduate students receiving University funded health insurance. Only those students meeting the eligibility criteria above will continue to have their insurance premiums provided by the University. Can students continue their coverage on their own even though the University is no longer paying their premiums?
Yes. Graduate students not meeting eligibility criteria can continue their coverage at their own expense by contacting the insurance company directly.
How do I receive an insurance card and policy information?
You will be asked to complete a temporary insurance card once you have been submitted all the required paperwork and found eligible to receive health insurance coverage. United Healthcare Insurance will mail a permanent card to you. Health insurance is valid only during the exact dates for which the University purchased coverage.
Can dependents be enrolled in the insurance plan?
Eligible students who do enroll may also insure their dependents, but the University only covers the student. Dependents from the moment of placement in the insurance are covered. In the case of a newborn child, coverage begins at the moment of birth. Eligible dependents are the spouse and their children who are 26 years-old or younger who are not self supporting and live with the insured or who are a full-time or part-time students. Dependent eligibility expires concurrently with that of the insured student. Is graduate student health insurance the same as the mandatory Student Health Fee?
No. These are two different health services for students. The Health Fee enables students to be seen for unlimited visits for illness or injury at University Health Center. The fee is mandatory for all full-time students. The student health insurance is an injury and sickness plan that includes hospitalization benefits.
Who should funded graduate assistants contact when they have trouble with a claim or have questions about their insurance?
All funded graduate students with insurance questions or claim problems should contact Student Health Services.
How can I find out more about having my coverage funded by the University?
Call the School of Graduate Studies at (850) 599-3505 or go to www.famu.edu/graduatestudies for more information Graduate Insurance Checklist I have activated my FAMU e-mail address
I have been admitted in a graduate program at FAMU
I have registered as a full-time regular (not Special) student
I satisfy the age requirement (26 years of age or younger)
I have retrieved the Certification for Insurance Eligibility Form from the School of Graduate Studies and Research
I have completed the Certification form and submitted it to the School of Graduate Studies
The Graduate Dean has notified me that I eligible
I have completed the Insurance Form from Nationwide Insurance, Inc.
I have submitted the form to the Graduate School Insurance Forms
· School of Graduate Studies Certification of Eligibility for Health Insurance Form
· United Healthcare Insurance Enrollment Form.”
· Certificate of Coverage Brochure
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