How Does Standard Michigan Medical Insurance Compare to College Health Plans? PDF Print E-mail
Written by Mike Novelli   
Sunday, 16 May 2010 23:07
With the President Barack Obama's new health care reform in place, one Michigan medical insurance issue remains unresolved: college health plans. Adequate medical coverage, health care services and costs are areas of contentious disparities. From college to university, the terms of Michigan medical insurance accompany differing terms. The quandary is that the premiums, benefits, and out-of-pocket costs vary broadly.
by MikeNovelli


With the President Barack Obama's new health care reform in place, one Michigan medical insurance issue remains unresolved: college health plans. Adequate medical coverage, health care services and costs are areas of contentious disparities. From college to university, the terms of Michigan medical insurance accompany differing terms. The quandary is that the premiums, benefits, and out-of-pocket costs vary broadly.

While many colleges, across the state of Michigan, require students to subscribe to the policies offered on campus, a slew of college health plans lack adequate medical coverage. Upon a close analysis, the cost and medical care discrepancies show that many college health plans pale in comparison to the costs and services provided by a standard individual Michigan medical insurance policy.

Despite the fact that health care services are rolled into the tuition fees, students should not expect comprehensive medical care. Michigan State University provides students with access to University Health Service (UHS). Nonetheless, individuals, who are diagnosed with a preexisting medical condition, have to wait for six-months for benefits to become effective. Additionally, after health care is available for a pre-existing condition, students require a pre-authorized referral for any health service not provided at Olin Health Center.

At the University of Michigan, health insurance requirements are moderately different. Tuition includes a health service fee that excludes prescriptions, immunization, or medical emergencies. Although the University of Michigan recommends that students subscribe to Aetna Student Health Policy #711146, the President of Michigan Health and Life, Michael Novelli reports that students can save by obtaining standard Michigan medical insurance quotes, conducting a comparison of the actual benefits to the college sponsored health plan. Excluded benefits are prevalently buried in the policy.

Alternatively, prior to students opting out of a college sponsored health plan, it is vital for them to research a Michigan medical insurance policy comprised of a well-rounded network of doctor. Many universities across the nation have been found to price gouge students, who are not covered under the college health plans, seeking care from the campus health facility.

In cases, where the student is a resident in one state but attends a college in Michigan, health insurance agents recommend shopping for coverage by address. For instance, Michigan medical insurance plans are more economical than the ones offered in the state of New York.

Even though the premiums and deductibles on many college sponsored heath plans seem nominal, remember to review which services are excluded. For instance, certain medical services are not included in (physicals, prescriptions, and immunizations).

Despite the national health care reform's authorization for students (under the age of 26) to maintain their parent's coverage, in certain situations, students save more on an individual Michigan medical insurance than with a policy provided via a parent's employer. Mr. Novelli also advises that students shop around for several Michigan medical insurance quotes to compare to the college sponsored benefits, but also compare the co-payment and other fees associated with the campus medical services to prevent any hidden costs or mystery medical expenses bills.

DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice.

At Michigan Health and Life.com, licensed insurance agent, Michael Novelli offers between one and three various no hassle Michigan medical insurance quotes.