Insurance & Billing
Calvin University is vitally concerned with the health and well-being of its students. We know insurance can be confusing, so this site provides valuable information and tools for students, parents and medical providers.
Insurance Requirements
Health and Human Services requires each person to have adequate health insurance. Calvin University requires proof of insurance by all students who are enrolled in 6 or more credits. If a student has valid health insurance that provides coverage while studying at Calvin University (a major medical plan that meets ACA requirements), a waiver form demonstrating adequate coverage must be completed on an annual basis. However, please do not assume that a plan provides coverage: it is strongly recommended that students investigate carefully with their insurance company prior to completing the waiver.
Major medical health insurance plans from outside the West Michigan region can be accepted with the understanding that coverage is not guaranteed. Major medical plans from outside the United States can only be accepted if proof of supplemental insurance (beyond travelers insurance) is submitted for consideration prior to August 15.
All insurance plans must be reviewed by a Calvin Health Services’ staff person before they can be used to waive the student health plan.
Student Insurance Waiver Standards
In order to be eligible to waive the student insurance plan, the student’s existing insurance plan must meet the following 3 requirements and the requirements in either I, II, III, or IV below.
- Coverage includes at least one full year and it must be effective at least one week prior to the start of school and span the entire period for which the student attends Calvin.
- Plan must cover Repatriation and Medical Evacuation, or coverage should be purchased separately to supplement the Health Plan used to waive off of the SHIP.
- It must be a comprehensive plan, the plan must be approved as a health insurance plan by the State Insurance Department (Travel Policies, Disability policies, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Only Policies, and other limited benefit polices are not acceptable).
I. Plan Description
1. Plan is ACA compliant, meaning that the plan is an individual or group insurance plan meeting the requirements of ACA.
a. Unlimited Maximum Benefit for covered medical expenses.
b. Coverage for essential benefits (with no dollar limits), as defined under the ACA. This includes, but is not limited to: § Pharmacy § Mental health services on parity with medical services § Maternity benefits § Preventive care with no cost-sharing for Preferred Providers § Coverage for pre-existing condition with no waiting period § Pediatric dental and vision coverage
2. Maximum preferred provider total out-of-pocket expenses cannot exceed $8,150 per member ($16,300 per family). This amount will be adjusted annually to reflect the then current allowable maximum out-of-pocket.
3. For students with J Visas, waiver eligible coverage must meet the State Department’s J Visa Insurance Standards including, but not limited to, the requirement that the plan have a deductible not to exceed $500.
II. Coverage is provided under an employer-sponsored group plan that is ACA compliant as described above.
In this case, it is likely that the insured may be required to supplement the health plan with separate Repatriation and Medical Evacuation coverage.
III. A plan provided to sponsored students (for example: Saudi Arabia Cultural Mission, Kuwait, etc.) that is backed by the full faith and credit of the student’s home country may be acceptable.
The plans will be reviewed, and a determination made regarding comparability to the USG Plan, and if determined to be comparable or better, will be accepted.
IV. A plan provided by a pre-approved United States Cultural Exchange Program; e.g., Fulbright Programs, etc.
United HealthCare Student Plan: Calvin’s health insurance for students
The student health insurance plan (United HealthCare Student Plan) offered through Calvin University is a plan designed with a student’s needs and budget in mind. Most importantly, United HealthCare Student Plan gives students access to an extensive network of health care providers practicing in the Grand Rapids area.
Students with private insurance
On-campus health care at Health Services is available to all Calvin students, regardless of what insurance they carry. Most local insurance carriers cooperate with Calvin Health Services regarding medical claims but many insurance plans from outside of Michigan consider our practice “out-of-network”.
We accept most U.S. based plans and bill them directly. We do not bill Medicare, out-of-state Medicaid, or subsidized Michigan Medicaid plans. See our list of participating insurance companies »
Fees at Health Services
Calvin University maintains a fully staffed comprehensive primary care office on campus for all students. The cost of care is similar to the cost of care in the local community. Any fees not covered by the insurance plan are the responsibility of the patient and expected to be paid in full at the time of service by after insurance has paid their portion. Cash, checks and credit cards are accepted for non-students.
The student’s Workday account will be billed for the balance of the cost of care. Patients can review a detailed claims receipt with an explanation of charges in the patient portal. Deductibles and co-payments are applied to the patient’s Workday account or posted to the credit card on file. To review a detailed history of your claims from Health Services:
Calvin Health Services bills insurances directly. Claims are submitted to all insurance carriers (except for out-of-state Medicaid, Medicare, and Marketplace Coverage), but payment is not guaranteed. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm coverage with his or her insurance plan prior to their appointment.