Mandatory undergraduate health plan

The enrollment/waiver period for spring/summer 2010 is November 16, 2009 - February 5, 2010. For coverage January 1 - July 31, 2010.

Undergraduate students who are required to have health insurance (who is required to have health insurance?) will be enrolled each semester in the mandatory plan, which is an accident and sickness insurance policy that includes diagnosis and treatment of illness, injury, or medical conditions. Benefits include physician, hospital, surgical, pharmacy, behavioral health services (i.e., mental health / substance abuse), as well as legally mandated benefits.

UGA has purchased an insurance "rider" in order to lower the out-of-pocket maximum to $2,500 (from $10,000). This action was taken after student groups expressed deep concern over the increase instituted in August 2009. This rider will add a total of $86 to your premium for the spring/summer semester period.

• If you were covered by student health insurance during fall semester 2009 AND will be covered during the spring/summer 2010 period, the lower out-of-pocket maximum will apply to your eligible expenses dating back to August 1, 2009.
• If you were covered ONLY during fall semester 2009 (not the upcoming spring/summer semester period), the lower out-of-pocket maximum does not apply to you.
• If you will be covered ONLY during spring/summer semester 2010, the lower out-of-pocket maximum will apply to you from January 1 through July 31, 2010.

A few changes to the mandatory undergraduate plan effective August 1, 2009 include:

• Increased benefit of up to $1,000,000 with "AIG Assist," designed for individuals who travel 100 miles or more from home or in a foreign country that is not their country of permanent residence. AIG Assist provides emergency medical transport service, evacuation, and other medical assistance.
• Increase in out-of-pocket maximum from $2,500 to $10,000 (see above in red)
• Dependent benefit lowered to $50,000 per year

View mandatory undergraduate plan highlights for the academic year 2009-2010.

What if I already have health coverage? Read about the waiver option.

• If you are required to participate in the undergraduate mandatory plan, you should set up your account to receive your insurance card(s). Visit the Pearce & Pearce Web site to register. Select "Enrollment," "Mandatory Registration," and "Undergraduate." If you do not set up your account with Pearce & Pearce, you will experience a significant delay in receiving your health ID card.

OR

• If you wish to waive coverage in the mandatory undergraduate health plan, visit the Pearce & Pearce Web site to submit a waiver request. Select "Waive online" from the left menu choices. From this section, you can view Pearce & Pearce's list of pre-approved plans. Even if your insurance plan is listed as pre-approved, you must still submit a waiver request! If you do not successfully waive coverage, you will be automatically enrolled and charged through your student account for the premium amount (below).

Mandatory undergraduate plan premium
Premiums for individual students in the mandatory plan are as follows:

Premiums due to Pearce & Pearce for individual/student coverage
Fall semester 2009	$379
Spring/summer semesters 2010 (with additional rider)	$587

Dates for premium deductions.

Students may also purchase health insurance coverage for their spouses and children for an additional premium. More information regarding dependent coverage is available on the Pearce & Pearce Web site.

UGA Human Resources is the primary contact for undergraduate students in the mandatory categories. Undergraduate students who have questions about their mandatory status or student account charges should contact HR at the following email address: gshiplan@uga.edu. Questions about policy benefits and limitations should be directed to Pearce & Pearce customer service at 1-888-622-6001.

Revised November 9, 2009