UPDATED: JULY 05, 2023 | 1 MIN READ
Kansas students heading off to school quickly forget how vital healthcare is while away from home. You never know when you may experience an accident or injury needing medical attention. Mental health conditions are often common among teens and young adults throughout Kansas.
Student health insurance plans are available in Kansas for college students. Here are some insurance options and how to ensure health insurance coverage.
What Are the Kansas Health Insurance Options Available For Students?
Students can find health insurance in Kansas in a variety of ways. Depending on the insurance policy and coverage options, the costs can vary. Some available opportunities through the state include the following:
- College or university plans: Many schools offer student health services. They provide available programs based on credit hours. If you purchase one of these plans, ensure you’re still covered off-campus.
- Parent’s insurance plan: Students may find staying on their parent’s plan easier. But the coverage may not be the same if you attend out-of-state school in Kansas. You also have to pay attention to in-network providers.
- Marketplace plans: Students can purchase their own health insurance plan in Kansas through the Affordable Care Act. The exchange is online at healthcare.gov.
- Medicaid: The Kansas Medical Assistance Program (KMAP) is a state and federal jointly funded program. It’s low to no-cost healthcare, depending on your income.
- Catastrophic health plans: Catastrophic health plans for students in Kansas can be beneficial. They have low premiums but high deductibles. You can check eligibility requirements to see if you meet them.
- Short-term health plans: Kansas students can purchase short-term health plans. Durations are from one month to an entire year. Most insurance carriers offer these plans with six-month terms, to renew at a max of 24 months.
- Employer-sponsored health plans: If you work while attending school, your employer may offer plans. Check for insurance requirements in case you only work part-time.
- Private insurance plans: Students who wish to buy a policy can buy off the Marketplace. These plans are through a broker or insurance company not associated with the exchange.
Benefits of student health insurance
Student health insurance plans provide benefits. They reimburse your expenses when you have an unexpected accident or illness. They also cover other medical expenses, including hospitalization or emergency services.
Rules For Kansas Health Insurance For Students
Federal Health reform law states children can stay on their parent’s insurance plan until they are 26. They can be in school, and there may be additional rules for dependency eligibility. Check with the Kansas State Department of Insurance or your parent’s carrier.
Did the state implement the ACA’s Medicaid expansion?
Kansas has not implemented the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion. However, the state did implement the American Rescue Plan provision. It allows states to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage to 12 months.
Kansas ACA Open Enrollment dates
Students buying an insurance policy in Kansas through the Marketplace must do so during the Open Enrollment Period. It runs from November 1 to January 15 each year. There are exceptions to obtaining coverage outside of the enrollment period. Some exceptions include marriage, the birth of a baby, or loss of coverage.
Are health insurance subsidies available?
Subsidies can help students lower monthly premiums on their Marketplace plans. These credits are for people who earn 150% or less than the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
What To Consider When Choosing Kansas Student Health Insurance Plans
Consider all the costs when shopping for a new Kansas health insurance plan. Look at what coverage is offered, whether a copay is necessary, and eligibility requirements. Here are some other things to consider in Kansas regarding health insurance plans.
Are you going to school in-state or out-of-state?
If you live in Kansas and attend school there, your insurance typically provides the same health coverage. But, as a resident coming to Kansas out-of-state, coverage barriers may exist. Your current plan may not offer the same healthcare, or you may be unable to locate in-network providers.
Are you considered someone’s dependent?
If a parent or guardian declares you dependent on their taxes, it impacts how you buy a plan. When applying through the ACA, Medicaid, or other low-cost healthcare plans, you must disclose total household income amounts. You also aren’t eligible for subsidies as someone’s dependent.
Are you going to stay on your parent’s health insurance plan or enroll on your own?
It may be easier to stay on a parent’s plan because you’re already on it. But, if you’re attending school in a different location, contact the insurance company. You must ensure you have coverage and providers in your school’s area.
What type of student health insurance plans are cheaper?
It would help if you examined all insurance policy costs before choosing your plan. In Kansas, students should be sure to compare:
- Premiums: the monthly charge for your healthcare plan
- Deductible: how much you have to spend before your plan contributes toward medical expenses
- Coinsurance: your share of a payment when you have a claim (kicks in once deductible is met)
- Co-pays: how much you pay for each doctor or specialist visit or prescription drugs (up-front fee).
What student health plans offer the best coverage?
The best coverage is dependent on your healthcare needs. If you’re relatively healthy, you may not need extensive coverage.
For example, consider if you have in-network providers through your parent’s plan at school. Look for mental health services to be covered on your policy. If you have a pre-existing condition, weigh the pros and cons for your travel and treatment needs.
What happens if you don’t have student health insurance coverage?
There’s no requirement for students to have a health insurance policy in Kansas. But having a health plan is helpful in case of an unplanned accident or emergency needing medical care. Without a healthcare plan, students may be responsible to pay thousands out-of-pocket.
How To Get Kansas Student Health Insurance Coverage
With plenty of coverage options available for students, obtaining a healthcare plan is not difficult. In Kansas, you have many possibilities – you can stay with a parent’s plan, get your own, or go through your school.
How to get coverage on your parent’s health insurance plan
The ACA requires insurance plans to offer dependent coverage for kids up to 26 years old. Just be sure to check for in-network providers and services near your school’s location if you’re out-of-state.
Getting health insurance from your school
Many schools in Kansas offer student health services. Depending on the school, they may require you to obtain health insurance while residing on campus. All international students are required to have health insurance.
Getting student health insurance coverage through the ACA
You can enroll through the federal Marketplace in an ACA plan. The range in premiums is anywhere from $373 to $501 per month, but ensure you look for subsidies. You can explore the plans and choose one to fit your medical needs during the Open Enrollment Period.
Getting student health insurance coverage from Medicaid
Kansas Medicaid and the State Children Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) are available as part of “KanCare.” You may be eligible if your income meets the requirements and your parents don’t claim you as a dependent.
What other student health insurance options are available in Kansas?
Other plans to consider include catastrophic health plans and short-term insurance policies. Catastrophic plans have low premiums (but high deductibles) and are available if you’re under 30. Short-term plans won’t cover preexisting conditions or essential health benefits under the ACA.
Cheapest Student Health Insurance Plans In Kansas
In Kansas, cheap student insurance plans are available through the Marketplace. The average cost of health insurance in Kansas is around $525 per month. Below are some of the cheapest student insurance plans found in Kansas.
Cheapest health insurance plan for students with low out-of-pocket maximums
Students with high medical costs should look for plans with lower deductibles. Lower out-of-pocket maximums mean your insurance kicks in sooner to cover your medical expenses. Blue Cross Blue Shield’s BlueCare EPO plan is the most affordable one with a low out-of-pocket maximum. It costs around $500 per month.
Cheapest student health insurance plan with high out-of-pocket maximums
If you’re a healthy student, you may look for a plan with a higher out-of-pocket maximum. These have lower monthly premiums but can be expensive if you need more medical care. The Healthier You Catastrophic plan is the most affordable plan with high out-of-pocket maximums. It’s through Medica and averages around $222 a month.
Cheapest student health insurance plan with an HSA option
Health Savings Account (HSA) options for health insurance can benefit students. You can build tax-free savings to use towards medical-related expenses. The cheapest plans include the Oscar Bronze HDHP and the BlueCare EPO Simple Silver HDHP. They average around $390 and $540 per month, respectively.
Cheapest EPO/HMO health insurance plans available for students
The two main types of insurance plans in Kansas are HMOs and EPOs. Health Maintenence Organizations (HMOs) are the most common type of plans in Kansas.
The most affordable health insurance in Kansas for both types are the following:
- HMO: The Ambetter Balanced Care 12 by Ambetter from Sunflower Health Plan. The average monthly premium is around $470.
- EPO: The Oscar Silver Saver 2 by the Oscar Insurance Company. It costs around $455 per month for students.
FAQs
Does KU offer health insurance for students?
The University of Kansas does offer insurance policies for students. The Kansas Board of Regents offers health insurance to students through United Healthcare Student Resources. Students in medical programs need to report their health insurance information in the fall semester.
How long can you stay on your parent’s insurance in Kansas?
In Kansas, you can stay on a parent’s plan until the age of 26. You can stay on if you live with your parents, are still in school, or get married and have children.
Does KU offer international health insurance for students?
The University of Kansas offers health policies for International students. It’s mandatory if the international student is enrolled in a medical program. The Kansas Board of Regents offers the plan through United Healthcare Student Resources.
What are the requirements for student health insurance in Kansas?
The law does not require an individual to own a health insurance policy. However, students may be required to show proof of a health insurance plan. They can also obtain insurance through their school’s health center in Kansas.
What are the benefits of student health insurance in Kansas?
An insurance policy gives students essential health benefits, including preventative care and regular doctor visits. Kansas, in particular, has a high rate of mental health issues among college-age students. A student health insurance policy offers mental health coverage.
How much does student health insurance cost in Kansas?
A student health insurance policy can range in cost. Premiums depend on your individual health needs and coverage options. Typical plans over the last year ranged from $373 to $501 in Kansas on average.
What are the health insurance requirements for students in Kansas?
None of the schools governed by The Kansas Board of Regents require undergraduate students to have health insurance. The exceptions are students in health or medical programs at school, international students, and walk-on student-athletes.
Finding Student Health Insurance In Kansas
Most college students are young and healthy, but illness and accidents can happen to anyone. If they do, unexpected medical expenses can be costly. Give yourself peace of mind when going off to school and ensure your health insurance is in place.
If you already live in Kansas, it can be easy to opt for and stay on a parent’s plan. If you come from out-of-state, you should compare multiple policies for premiums and coverage options. Whatever plan you decide should be in line with your healthcare needs for a safe and comfortable school year. Use our online quote tool to find a great health insurance plan today.
