Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy insurance?
If your plan does not meet the QSHIP requirements (Qualifying Student Health Insurance Program), within the Mount Holyoke College area, it does not meet the definition of comparable coverage and you should purchase the Student Health Insurance Plan. Our experience is that many families with excellent health care coverage find obstacles to using their plan within the MHC area. Examine your current coverage carefully, regarding access and out of pocket expenses for non-emergency visits for laboratory testing, diagnostic testing, consultation with specialist and use of mental health services.
If your plan does meet the definition of comparable coverage, you may want to consider purchase of the Pre-Paid Health Center Option.
Will my daughter be able to use the services of the Health Center at Mount Holyoke College?
Yes, the clinical services of the Mount Holyoke College Health Center are available to all MHC students. Please see Medical and Nursing Services for details on our services, billing information and hours of operation.
Will my health insurance cover payment of fees at the Health Center?
There is no charge for visits to our nursing, clinician, and counseling services. There are charges for laboratory tests, x-rays, medications, nutrition counseling, physical therapy visits and infirmary admissions of greater than 4 hours. The Health Center does not participate in any health insurance networks and does not contract with any insurance plans. If the Student has waived both the Student Health Insurance Plan and the Prepaid Health Center Option, the charge will be placed monthly on her Student Bill. A statement will be sent to her with sufficient detailed information to submit to her health insurance plan for possible reimbursement. Consult your current policy regarding payment to out of network providers.
What about coverage for Mental Health Services?
Mount Holyoke College, along with most colleges across the country has seen an increase in the number of students seeking support for acute and chronic mental health concerns. Annually 20-25% of MHC students contact our Counseling Service. Our Counseling Service provides assessment and brief intervention (6-8 sessions) which for many students is all that is required. However there are a number of our students that do require referral or may prefer referral off campus to an area provider for ongoing support and therapy. Coverage for outpatient mental health services varies greatly among insurance plans. Many plans have this benefit managed separately with different referral procedures and provider networks. Please review this benefit in your current coverage carefully regarding referral process, definition of the network and out of network coverage.
How are referrals to specialists covered?
Please refer to specific sections of the Student Health Insurance Plan regarding the referral process and outpatient benefits. If you waive the Student Health Insurance Plan, review the referral procedures, co-pays etc of your current plan. Your daughter will need to have a copy of her insurance card with her. The most common indications for referral to specialist in include orthopedics, dermatology, neurology and mental health.
What about medications?
The Student Health Insurance Plan has a pharmacy benefit of $1500 annually. Refer to the brochure for details on co-pays. See Pharmacy Services for details.
If my daughter has a chronic or pre-existing medical or mental health condition, should I buy the Student Health Insurance Plan?
Please refer to the brochure regarding pre-existing conditions. The Student Health Insurance Plan is designed and priced to cover generally healthy young population of women; therefore there are significant limitations on several areas of benefits. You may want to purchase the Prepaid Health Center option to provide improved coordination of care, minimize travel time and reduce the cost of lab tests and X-rays through use of the Health Center.
Does my daughter need to have a PCP in South Hadley?
The majority of students/families do not find this necessary. The clinicians at the Health Center have a wide range of experience in managing acute and chronic conditions. They also work very cooperatively and collaboratively with primary care and specialist providers outside of the area to manage chronic illnesses. Please talk with your daughter’s providers for a recommendation for the management of her chronic illness. Consult your insurance plan regarding the availability of network providers or temporary/guest privileges while your daughter is in this area. Please remember this process may take several weeks.
My daughter is very healthy, why would she need to come to the health center?
Please see the chart below for details on the most commonly seen illnesses and costs based on the various coverage options at Mount Holyoke.
All visits with the nursing staff, nurse practitioner and physician and counseling staff are without charge. Referrals to specialists are not covered by the Prepaid Health Center Option.
|
Common Situation |
Service/Test |
Health Center Charge |
Student Health Ins. |
Prepaid Health Center |
All Other
Options Waived |
| Cold/sore throat |
Throat culture
CBC |
$19
$20 |
Covered, no charge to student |
Covered, no charge to student |
Charged to student's bill |
| Urinary tract infection |
Urinalysis and culture |
$20 |
Covered, no charge to student |
Covered, no charge to student |
Charged to student's bill |
| Nausea/vomiting |
Observation in Infirmary
IV Hydration |
If greater than 2 hours charges will apply |
Covered, no charge to student |
Convered, no charge to student |
Charged to student's bill |
| Sprained ankle |
X-ray |
$85 |
Covered, no charge to student |
Covered, no charge to student |
Charged to student's bill |
| Neck/back or shoulder pain |
X-ray
Physical therapy |
$95-$140
$75 |
Covered, no charge to student |
Covered, no charge to student |
Charged to student's bill |
| Abdominal pain |
Observation in Infirmary |
If greater than
2 hours charges will apply
|
Covered, no charge to student |
Covered, no charge to student |
Charged to student's bill |
Acute anxiety attack/
Depression |
EKG
Observation in Infirmary |
$65
$150 |
Covered, no charge to student |
Covered, no charge to student |
Charged to student's bill |
