Health Insurance

All students must have health insurance at the time of matriculation. To ensure that students have access to a comprehensive, reasonably priced health plan, PNWU has chosen Aetna Student Health as the medical plan provider. The PNWU student health insurance plan does not offer coverage for dependents. Dental and vision are not included in the plan to keep premiums at a reasonable level. If you want dental or vision coverage, you will be provided with a link to individual plans. All students must either enroll in the student-sponsored health plan or provide proof of other acceptable health coverage.

• For questions related to waivers, eligibility, or enrollment, please contact: HSAC at 1-888-978-8355  and identify yourself as a PNWU student.
• Destani Irland – Account Specialist – waiver questions, approvals, and declinations – destani@hsac.com
• Karin Swanson – President – karin@hsac.com
• Locate participating providers and plan information at www.aetnastudenthealth.com.
• To enroll or request a waiver, go to https://app.hsac.com/pnwu

To waive coverage from the PNWU student health insurance plan through Aetna Student Health, students must submit documentation verifying coverage by another ACA-compliant domestic health insurance plan, and the coverage must meet all requirements set forth by PNWU.

Provided below are resources for students to search for individual or family health insurance plans. It is important to read carefully and consider all of your options when making a decision about purchasing health insurance for yourself or your family. The provider should give you a thorough explanation of benefits that are covered, any plan exclusions or limitations, whether you are required to use a network of providers, plan maximum, deductibles and co-pays, and if there is an out-of-pocket annual maximum. Be aware that some plans limit coverage for mental health conditions or do not cover pregnancy unless you request a pregnancy rider. Please read the summary plan descriptions carefully in evaluating the best coverage for you.

Visit the websites below to assist you in searching for individual health insurance plans:

• Washington Health-plan Finder (for Washington residents)
• Cover Oregon (for Oregon residents)
• Idaho Insurance Marketplace (for Idaho residents)
• Health Care.Gov (for Montana and Alaska residents as well as other states who have opted to use the Federal Exchange. Students can find information about their home state’s insurance exchange on this site.
• Blue Cross & Blue Shield Plans
• SOMA ACA Health Insurance Advisory Service

PNWU does not endorse or recommend any specific independent plan or any provider; it is solely the student’s choice.

Resources:

• Department of Labor: COBRA Extension of Coverage

Disability Insurance: Med PLUS Advantage

PNWU secures disability insurance for each doctoral student through Med Plus Advantage. The Med Plus Advantage program, sponsored by the American Medical Association, is dedicated to providing students with specifically tailored coverage throughout their education. For detailed information please see: www.medplusadvantage.com

Schedule of Benefits: Disability Income

• $1,500 Monthly Benefit
• 90-day Elimination Period
• 6-month/12-month Preexisting Condition
• Length of Benefit to 65 – Social Security Normal Retirement Age (SSNRA)
• $2,000-$2,500 monthly benefit available during residency on guaranteed issue basis
• 24-month M&N Limit: mental & nervous disabilities limited to 24 month of benefits
• $3,000 Income Offset
• Assisted Living Benefit (ALB)
• $5,000 Lump Sum after 12 months of permanent and total disability
• 5-year Student Definition: unable to perform duties of a student in good standing
• School Loan Provision: up to $200,000 at the end of 12 months of permanent & total disability