 "Photo: MCT Campus")
It’s the weekend, you’ve contracted some type of sickness that requires medical attention, you are under the Student Health Insurance plan and the Student Health Center is closed. What’s the best plan of action to take, where do you go, how much will it cost, who do you see?
If it is summer break you might wonder if you are covered. According to Claudette Lindsay, Student Health Insurance Office, “You must be enrolled in the Spring Semester to have coverage through the summer. You do not have to be enrolled in summer courses to have continuous coverage through the summer.”
Importantly, if the SHC is not open, like on weekends, students can receive care from an outside source, preferably within an in-network facility. SHI’s network is First Health PPO. Yet, if it’s an emergency go directly to the ER or urgent care located nearest you.
Fortunately, listed on the following website are hospitals and walk-in clinics, with distance approximations from campus that students can find assistance from if the SHC is closed: http://www.studenthealth.uncc.edu/after%20hours%20care.htm
On another website, facilities within the network can be found through following these steps:
1: Go to www.studentinsurance.com , this directs to the Pearce & Pearce homepage.
2: In the Search box type in UNCC.
3: Click on Network Provider Search, located in the rectangular green box.
4: Then listed below that, click on First Health.
5: Finally, click on First Health Network. From this point you can search by zip code, county, city, name or address for a facility within the network and proximity to your location.
Lindsay also said, “The student is responsible and required to obtain a referral from the SHC prior to receiving treatment outside the SHC. The exception to this are: The SHC is closed, the student lives 50 miles or more from UNCC campus, the student has graduated, the student is not attending summer classes, and in the case of an emergency situation.”
Also noted, “Once a student graduates from UNCC, they may no longer use the Student Health Center. Students who are not taking any summer courses will be charged a onetime $32.” Lindsay said.
Health insurance is a main concern for millions of people, due to the high cost of health care, but money can be earned and debts paid off. Life is not so easily replaced. So if you do find yourself in a dire situation, seek care quickly and realize the cost of your life is more important in the long run than the cost of a life saving visit to the hospital.
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