Health Insurance

Why You Need Health Insurance in the U.S.

Health care in the U.S. is expensive, and health insurance can be complicated. Unlike many other countries, the United States does not have a national health insurance system. Instead, health insurance may be offered by universities and employers, or individuals can purchase a plan on their own. In most cases, international students at Clark must purchase the University’s plan; see more information below. For all other members of the Clark international community:

You must have adequate health insurance and understand your health insurance plan. Having adequate health insurance will protect you from high medical bills and financial hardship.
In addition, it is important to know that there are different health insurance providers, and they may offer different insurance plans with varying levels of what the insurance provider will cover financially. Insurance coverage may also vary depending on the medical procedure and the health care provider.

Important Terms

In the United States, a specific set of terms are used regarding health or medical insurance. These terms may be new to you, so we are providing definitions below. This is general information, and it is extremely important for you to read through your insurance plan documents so that you understand your plan and what it covers.

A request for payment that you or your health care provider submits to your health insurer when you get items or services you think are covered.

A fixed amount ($20, for example) you pay for a covered health care service after you’ve paid your deductible.

Let’s say your health insurance plan’s allowable cost for a doctor’s office visit is $100. Your copayment for a doctor visit is $20.

If you’ve paid your deductible: You pay $20, usually at the time of the visit.
If you haven’t met your deductible: You pay $100, the full allowable amount for the visit.

The amount your insurance provider pays on your behalf for any medical appointments, medications, and procedures.

The amount you pay for covered health care services before your insurance plan starts to pay. With a $2,000 deductible, for example, you pay the first $2,000 of covered services yourself.

After you pay your deductible, you usually pay only a copayment. Your insurance company pays the rest.

Company that provides health insurance coverage. The provider for Clark’s student health insurance is Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Insurance plans may have a preferred network of medical providers. If you choose a medical provider out of this network the insurance company may not cover the cost of that care. It is important for you to read your through your plan carefully and understand what your plan covers. Often, insurance company websites have lists of their in-network doctors on their website.

These are expenses for medical care that aren’t reimbursed by insurance. Out-of-pocket costs include deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments for covered services plus all costs for services that aren’t covered.

A premium is the amount you pay for your health insurance every month. In addition to your premium, you usually have to pay other costs for your health care, including a deductible, copayments, and coinsurance. If you have a Marketplace health plan, you may be able to lower your costs with a premium tax credit. If you are enrolled in Clark’s health insurance plan you do not pay any premiums.

A physician (M.D. – Medical Doctor or D.O. – Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine), nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist or physician assistant, as allowed under state law, who provides, coordinates or helps a patient access a range of health care services. A Primary Care Physician is frequently referred to as a PCP.

Students

All international students enrolled in classes at Clark for at least one semester are required to be enrolled in Clark’s Student Health Insurance Plan. In rare cases, international students may waive participation in the plan if the student is carrying acceptable insurance with benefits comparable to Clark’s plan. If you are eligible or wish to check your eligibility to waive Clark’s health insurance, please reach out to info@univhealthplans.com.
Clark’s student insurance plan is through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. Students can create an account on their website and access your insurance information online. They also have a mobile app, MYBLUE.
If you lose your health insurance card, contact Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts at 1-888-753-6615 to request a replacement card.

Emergency?

Need your Clark University Blue Cross Blue Shield Member Information?

Hard copies of your BCBS insurance ID card are mailed to your address on file or Clark Student Mailbox. You can look up your membership information online 24/7 by clicking Insurance ID Card located on the left-hand side of the page at https://www.universityhealthplans.com/clark.
You can also download the MyBlue Member app at: https://myblue.bluecrossma.com/student to access your electronic ID card or visit https://www.bluecrossma.org/ to create an online account to access a PDF ID Card.
Students under the age of 18 do not have access to the MyBlue Member App or an online BCBS account. You can request an address change and a copy of your ID Card here.

J-1 Exchange Visitors and J-2 Dependents

All J-1 exchange visitors and their J-2 dependents are required by federal regulations to have medical insurance for the entire period of their stay in the United States. You may select the medical insurance that is best for you and any family. However, under J-1 visa regulations, your insurance plan must have the following minimum coverage requirements:

$100,000 per accident or illness
Medical evacuation in the amount of $50,000
Repatriation coverage of $25,000
A deductible of no more than $500

Visiting scholars or graduating students applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT) must purchase their own health insurance.

Several options include:

Faculty, Visiting Scholars, Researchers, and Employees

Clark Employee Health Insurance

If you are eligible for health benefits through Clark University, your sponsoring department should schedule an orientation with the Human Resources Department immediately upon your arrival to review plan options.
If you are not eligible for health insurance benefits from Clark University, you are required to purchase your own insurance coverage.

J-1 Exchange Visitor Insurance Requirements

All J-1 exchange visitors and their J-2 dependents are required by federal regulations to have medical insurance for the entire period of their stay in the U.S. You may select the medical insurance that is best for you and any family. However, under J-1 visa regulations, your insurance plan must have the following minimum coverage requirements:

$100,000 per accident or illness
Medical evacuation in the amount of $50,000
Repatriation coverage of $25,000
A deductible of no more than $500

Visiting scholars or graduating students applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT) must purchase their own health insurance. Several options include:

Contact Information

International Students and Scholars Office

Office Location

142 Woodland St.
Clark Office of Global Engagement at Corner House
Worcester, MA 01610
1-508-793-7362
isso[at]clarku[dot]edu
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Office Hours

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Monday – Friday

Health Insurance

Why You Need Health Insurance in the U.S.

Important Terms

Claim

Copayment or Copay

Coverage

Deductible

Insurance Provider

In-network /Out-of-network

Out-of-Pocket Costs

Premium

Primary Care Physician