UPDATED: AUGUST 07, 2023 | 1 MIN READ
When you’re young and healthy, it’s easy to forget about health insurance until you find out you need it. Emergency room visits or minor injuries cost a lot for students on a budget. A student has more health coverage options than the average person. It’s never a good idea not to have health insurance, and we’re here to walk you through all your options.
What are the Connecticut health insurance options available for students?
Having health insurance is essential when you’re heading off to school. Connecticut students have many healthcare coverage options; we’ll walk you through them.
- College or university plans: Your college likely offers a Student Health Insurance Plan; for example, the Wellfleet plan costs, on average, $2,464 yearly.
- Parent’s insurance plan: Your parent’s plan allows you to stay on until you’re 26 by law.
- Marketplace plans: The Federal Marketplace allows you to purchase student health insurance plans with the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
- Medicaid: It’s no-cost or low-cost Medicaid health insurance available through Access Arkansas.
- Catastrophic health plans: If you’re under 30, low-premium, high-deductible plans cover serious illnesses or accidents.
- Short-term health plans: Short-term insurance plans cover students for up to 364 days, and are renewable for 36 months.
- Employer-sponsored health plans: Your employer might offer medical insurance.
- Private insurance plans: · Private companies offer student health insurance policies.
Benefits of student health insurance
The benefit of student health insurance is that you’re covered in the case of an emergency, and some schools require it for you to register. Even if you switch schools, the student health insurance follows you.
Rules for Connecticut health insurance for students
Connecticut health insurance has specific rules. They’re not the same in every state, so checking with your insurer is always a good idea.
Did the state implement the ACA’s Medicaid expansion?
Connecticut was the first state to adopt Medicaid expansion in 2010. It once again expanded eligibility for the program at the beginning of 2014.
Connecticut ACA Open Enrollment dates
The Open Enrollment Period for 2023 coverage is from November 1, 2022, to January 15, 2023. You enroll for coverage by going to www.accesshealthct.com under Get Health Coverage.
Are health insurance subsidies available?
Residents qualify for financial help in the form of free or low-cost coverage. Financial aid is available through Access Health CT by providing your income and household information.
What to consider when choosing Connecticut student health insurance plans
A few things to consider when choosing a Connecticut student health insurance plan.
Are you going to school in-state or out-of-state?
If you’re on your parent’s plan and attend college out of state, their plan might not cover out-of-network hospitals and doctors in your area.
Are you considered someone’s dependent?
If you’re claimed as a dependent by someone, then you’re part of their household. Applying for an Affordable Care Act (ACA) plan impacts your answers.
Will you stay on your parent’s health insurance plan or enroll on your own?
You can stay on your parent’s plan under the ACA until you’re 26. If you’re an out-of-state college student, you must check to see if you have the necessary coverage.
What type of student health insurance plans are cheaper?
The cost of insurance is typically the biggest consideration for college students deciding on health insurance. You must factor in the monthly premium, the deductible, copayment, and coinsurance, as they all affect the overall cost.
What student health plans offer the best coverage?
ACA health policies typically offer the most comprehensive coverage with Medicare and Medicaid. They cover emergency services, pre-existing conditions, hospital care, mental health services, and prescription care by law.
What happens if you don’t have student health insurance coverage?
Health insurance is required in Connecticut. If residents fail to have coverage, there are penalties of 9.66% of their household income, capped at $10,000.
How to get Connecticut student health insurance coverage
Connecticut student health insurance coverage is available in a few different ways. We’re going to walk you through your best options.
How to get coverage on your parent’s health insurance plan
You can stay on your parent’s health insurance until you’re 26. Just ensure that it provides the coverage that you need. If you’re over 26, you have to get your health insurance.
Getting health insurance from your school
Most schools in Connecticut require you to have health insurance. The University of Connecticut offers a Wellfleet plan that’s available for students. It costs $1,153 for the fall semester and $1,682 for the spring semester.
Getting student health insurance coverage through the ACA
There are a few different healthcare options through Access Health CT, the state-run exchange in Connecticut. You might qualify for subsidies depending on your income.
Getting student health insurance coverage from Medicaid
Low-income Americans qualify for the state program Medicaid. It’s only available if your parents don’t claim you as a dependent. Otherwise, you have to list yourself as part of their household income.
What other student health insurance options are available in Connecticut?
If you’re under 30, you qualify for the catastrophic health plan. Their plans have low premiums but high deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. There is also short-term coverage which covers preventive services and pre-existing conditions.
Cheapest student health insurance plans in Connecticut
Plans for the Health Insurance Marketplace come in different levels of tiers. We’re going to walk you through the different types of insurance options.
Cheapest health insurance plan for students with low out-of-pocket maximums
A plan with a higher premium and low out-of-pocket maximums is not the best choice for a student as it’s ideal for someone with high medical costs.
You pay $654 monthly from ConnectiCare Benefits with an out-of-pocket maximum of $4,250.
Cheapest student health insurance plan with high out-of-pocket maximums
The best option for full-time students is a low-cost plan with high out-of-pocket maximums because they likely have low medical costs. You only pay the out-of-pocket fees if you have a medical emergency or have an increase in doctor visits.
Connecticare Benefits offers a $292 monthly plan and a max out-of-pocket limit of $8,250 or higher.
Cheapest student health insurance plan with an HSA option
A Health Savings Plan (HSA) might be the best option if you don’t visit the doctor regularly. They offer low monthly premiums; if you don’t use them, they’re used as savings accounts. The cheapest HAS is with Connecticare Benefits at $409 monthly.
Cheapest HMO/PPO/POS health insurance plans available for students
Connecticut insurance exchange has two types of plans: Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) and Point of Service (POS).
PPO plans force you in-network for service coverage. Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield offers a monthly cost of $557 monthly.
POS covers all services even out of your network. Connecticare Benefits offers plans for $518 monthly.
FAQs
Can students buy health insurance in Connecticut?
Students who don’t use their parent’s plan may buy a student health insurance. Colleges in Connecticut offer plans through the schools.
What is the Student Health and Wellness fee at Uconn?
The Student Health and Wellness fee at Uconn is $290.
What is the average cost of Uconn student health insurance?
Uconn’s insurance plan costs $2,946 yearly. International students pay $725 yearly.
What healthcare services does the Uconn student health center offer?
Student Health and Wellness offers the following services: immunizations, allergy clinic, immediate care, and alcohol and other substance support.
What is the cost of student health insurance in CT?
On average, college students pay $292 monthly for student health insurance in Connecticut.
Finding student health insurance in Connecticut
Purchasing cheap student health insurance through a reputable health insurance company is simple.
If you’re ready to get student health insurance quotes, it’s as easy as comparing rates as quotes vary by company. We have a helpful tool to find the best health insurance.
