What is the Bates College policy about health insurance coverage?<\/b><\/p>\r\n
Bates College requires that all students have active, comprehensive health insurance coverage while enrolled, including coverage for both emergency and non-emergency care, to ensure that students have coverage for local care to meet their health care needs while at campus.<\/span><\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n Why does Bates College require students to have comprehensive and non-emergency health insurance?<\/b><\/p>\r\n Students are required to have comprehensive health insurance coverage to both help minimize catastrophic financial risk for students in the event of a health issue and to increase students’ access to health care during their time at Bates.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n The College partners with Central Maine Medical Center to provide health care on campus at Bates Health Services, and bills insurance for services utilized, rather than charge a campus health fee. Therefore, to utilize services on campus you must have and provide proof of health insurance that covers primary care while you\u2019re on campus.<\/span><\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n Will my insurance cover the services provided at Bates Health Services?<\/b><\/p>\r\n If you have insurance through your family policy, you must let the company know you are at Bates College and determine how to handle all insurance claims while at Bates. Health Services bills your health insurance like your primary care provider. If your health insurance plan will not cover the services provided at Bates Health Services, like out-of-region HMO plans, then students will have the opportunity to enroll in the Bates Student Health Insurance Plan, in order to provide coverage to medical care while at Bates.<\/span><\/p>\r\n Health Services, like most healthcare clinics will be unable to process your claim, handle your bills, or answer any questions about your individual policy \u2013 you must work with your health insurance company directly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n In some instances, your insurance policy may require a referral to see a specialist; in this case our staff will contact your Primary Care Provider to expedite the referral. Pre-approval is often needed for x-rays, lab tests, and hospitalizations. If you have purchased the Bates College policy, the Patient Services Representative and the specialist at Cross Insurance Agency can help you with certain questions you may have. You are still responsible for understanding your policy and following the needed procedures and claim form requirements.<\/span><\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n The Bates Student Health Insurance Plan Enroll – Waive Process<\/b><\/p>\r\n Annually, all students must enroll or waive health insurance coverage under the Bates Student Health Insurance Plan. The Bates Student Health Insurance Plan is compliant with the Affordable Care Act (the ACA). In order to waive the Bates SHIP, students must have comprehensive health insurance coverage that is considered to be \u201ccomparable coverage.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n