New Billing Model on 8/1/2023
Beginning fall (August 1st) 2023, Student Health Services (SHS) will collect a traditional co-pay and any patient-responsibility costs (as determined by your insurer) for primary care services provided to students who are not covered by the Student Health Insurance Plan provided by UnitedHealthcare Student Resources.
Students covered by the Student Health Insurance Plan provided by UnitedHealthcare Student Resources are exempt from the co-payment and other patient costs because the fee is part of the negotiated rate for the annual premium. This exemption applies only to covered services and/or care performed and/or ordered by an SHS clinician that are received at the Student Health Clinic, including labs, X-rays and lab studies ordered by a SHS clinician that are sent to Quest Labs for processing. All other care and services provided outside of Student Health Services will be subject to the co-payment and other patient-responsibility costs as determined by UnitedHealthcare Student Resources.
It is important to remember that there are no deductibles, co-pays or co-insurance applied for preventive services, including but not limited to gynecologic exams, routine screenings and immunizations, when received from a Preferred Provider for your insurance carrier. A complete list of the services provided for specific age and risk groups is online at healthcare.gov/preventive-care-benefits/./p>
Student Health Services is projecting operating deficits as the use of campus health services increases along with increases in the cost of providing care. This change will enable us to remain committed to offering the quality, comprehensive and accessible care our students deserve, including treatment of illness and injury, immunizations, labs and radiology, preventive care, allergy care, reproductive health, mental health, and more.
Our clinic is open Monday through Friday during regular office hours. Same-day appointments often are available, and more than one-third of students are seen in clinic within 24 hours of booking an appointment. On-call physicians are available evenings and weekends, and telemedicine services also are offered for safety and convenience.
For more information, see answers below to Frequently Asked Questions.
Students who have additional questions or cannot afford care are encouraged to discuss options for possible financial assistance by emailing or calling:
- SHS Billing Analyst Whitney Stallworth: 205-934-3580,
wstallwo@uab.edu
Student Health Insurance FAQ
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Who can use the services offered by UAB Student Health?
All students currently registered for the academic period who have paid tuition are eligible to be treated at Student Health Services. Additionally, students currently enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan, provided by UnitedHealthcare Student Resources, are eligible to be treated at SHS even if not currently registered for classes.
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Is there a co-pay and/or other patient-responsibility costs for preventive care services/visits?
When care is received from a Preferred Provider of your insurance carrier, there are no deductibles, co-pays or co-insurance applied for services, including but not limited to gynecologic exams, routine screenings and immunizations. A complete list of the services provided for specific age and risk groups is online at healthcare.gov/preventive-care-benefits/.
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Can I seek treatment if I have no health insurance?
No student will be turned away for treatment at Student Health Services, but students will be billed for services received. Note: Undergraduate students enrolled in a degree-seeking program taking at least 9 credit hours on campus are required to have insurance.
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What will I be charged for a visit/service at SHS if I do not have health insurance?
You will be charged a cash price for services; this includes a balance adjustment, aligned with the UAB Medicine protocol for cash-paying patients.
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What is the co-pay, co-insurance, deductible or other out-of-pocket cost for a visit?
- Co-payment: A co-payment is a flat fee you pay for medical provider services, covered prescriptions and potentially other services as set by your insurance plan.
- Co-insurance: After you have reached your deductible, you and your plan share some of your medical costs; the portion of covered expenses you are responsible for is called co-insurance.
- Deductible: A deductible is a flat dollar amount you must pay out of your own pocket before your plan begins to pay for covered medical services.
Amounts vary by insurance provider, so you will need to consult your policy or contact your insurer to determine your co-pay, co-insurance cost, deductible and any other out-of-pocket expense for which you may be responsible after your claim has been processed.
Students insured through the Student Health Insurance Plan provided by UnitedHealthcare Student Resources are not assessed a co-pay, deductible or co-insurance for covered services received at the Student Health Clinic by SHS providers.
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How do I know if you accept my insurance?
UAB Student Health Services accepts insurance from most providers, including Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Viva, Tricare, UnitedHealthcare Student Resources and more. Students with a BlazerID and password can submit insurance questions via UAB’s Student Health Patient Portal at studentwellness.uab.edu/login_directory.aspx. You also can send an email to
studenthealth@uab.edu . -
Is there a co-pay for Medicaid?
In most instances, a small co-pay is required. Note: Medicaid insurance is state-specific, so only Alabama Medicaid can be used in the state of Alabama. Medicaid coverage ends for most children at age 19, so you may want to explore options in the federal Health Insurance Marketplace before your coverage expires or apply for the Student Health Insurance Plan.
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Is there a co-pay for the Student Health Insurance Plan?
No. The Student Health Insurance Plan provided by UnitedHealthcare Student Resources does not require a co-pay for covered services/office visits at Student Health Services with a SHS provider. This coverage is part of the negotiated rates. The co-pay will apply to services and care provided by non-SHS providers outside of Student Health Services. Learn more at uhcsr.com/uab.
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Do you bill my insurance for services?
Yes, we will file a claim with your insurance provider. You are responsible for any co-pay, deductible or co-insurance costs. This video explains the process.
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Is there a co-pay for telehealth visits?
Generally, yes, there is a co-pay for telehealth visits; however, students enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan provided by UnitedHealthcare Student Resources are not assessed a co-pay for telehealth care provided by a Student Health Services provider, as per contract.
UAB Student Health provides virtual medical appointments through American Well Touchpoint, a free app specially designed for telemedicine video conferencing and used across the UAB system for telemedicine.
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Are there tele-mental health options available for students in addition to those provided by Student Health Services and Student Counseling Services?
Yes, our Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), UnitedHealthcare Student Resources, partners with HealthiestYou, a telemedicine company, free to students enrolled in the plan, providing unlimited access to virtual counseling and/or medication management from psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists and counselors through phone or video. Students not enrolled in the SHIP can also access these services for a discounted cash price.
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What if I need care but cannot pay?
Students who cannot afford care are encouraged to discuss options for possible financial assistance by emailing or calling:
• SHS Billing Analyst Whitney Stallworth: 205-934-3580,
.wstallwo@uab.edu