What is the medical insurance requirement for Duke students?
Students enrolled in programs that require payment of the health fee must also have adequate medical insurance.
As a student, what do I need to do regarding health insurance?
You must enter your 2007/2008 insurance decision on ACES during the open enrollment period (ends August 16, 2007). If you do not enter a health insurance decision on ACES before the open enrollment period ends on August 16, a decision will be made for you – you will be automatically enrolled in the Duke Student Medical Insurance Plan.
What is considered “adequate medical insurance?”
This is coverage that meets or exceeds the benefit levels provided by the Duke Plan.
What insurance plan is available for Duke students?
Eligible students who do not have adequate private medical insurance must enroll in the Duke Student Medical Insurance Plan [“the Duke Plan”]. The Duke Plan is administered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) and Koster Insurance. A schedule of benefits is available at http://healthydevil.studentaffairs.duke.edu . The Duke Plan coverage period runs from August 17, 2007 to August 16, 2008.
Is my private medical insurance plan adequate?
If you have private medical insurance and plan to waive coverage in the Duke Plan, we encourage you to compare the levels of coverage in your plan with those provided by the Duke Plan. In comparing, you should also consider your ability to obtain routine care outside the local area network of your private plan. If coverage with your private plan does not meet or exceed the benefit levels provided under the Duke Plan, you should enroll in the Duke Plan. Duke reserves the right to review private medical insurance plan information to ensure adequate medical insurance is being maintained.
Am I eligible to participate in the Duke Plan?
You are eligible to participate if you are enrolled in a program that requires payment of the health fee. Students enrolled in programs that do not require payment of the health fee are ineligible to participate in the Duke Plan and are not required to enter an insurance decision on ACES.
What are the premiums for 2007-2008?
The insurance charge is based upon your age and will be posted to your student account in the Bursar's Office. If your age on August 17, 2007 is
- Under 26, the annual charge is $1,564
- 26 to 34, the annual charge is $1,690
- 35 to 44, the annual charge is $1,951
- 45 or over, the annual charge is $2,198
How do I make my insurance decision?
You should enter your 2007-2008 insurance decision on ACES during the open enrollment period. Open enrollment ends August 16, 2007.
What insurance decision information will I need to enter on ACES?
You will need to either select coverage under the Duke Plan or waive coverage under that plan by providing proof of adequate insurance with a private carrier (you will be required to enter both the company name and your policy number).
What rules apply to international students holding a J-1 or F-1 visa?
If you are enrolled in a program that requires payment of the health fee and you are an international student holding a J-1 or F-1 visa, participation in the Duke Plan is mandatory - you will be automatically enrolled in and charged for the Duke Plan. You do not need to enter an insurance decision on ACES.
What is my deadline for entering an insurance decision for 2007/2008?
You must enter your 2007/2008 insurance decision on ACES during the open enrollment period – open enrollment ends August 16, 2007.
If you want to enroll in the Duke Plan, please enter your decision by July 31, 2007 to ensure that you receive your enrollment packet and insurance card by the start of the plan year (August 17).
If you have adequate private coverage and need to waive coverage under the Duke Plan, enter your waiver information as soon as possible.
A charge for the Duke Plan will be placed on your student account in mid June and will remain on your account unless you waive coverage on ACES during open enrollment. Once you enter waiver information on ACES, the insurance charge will come off of your account within five business days.
What happens if I do not enter an insurance decision during open enrollment?
If you do not enter your decision by August 16, the insurance charge will remain on your student account and your enrollment in the Duke Plan will be finalized with BCBSNC.
After open enrollment ends, requests for changes to your participation in the Duke Plan must be made directly with Koster Insurance at (866) 746-8700 or visit the Duke page at www.kosterweb.com. If an early withdrawal from the Duke Plan is granted, your insurance charge will be pro-rated to reflect the date of your withdrawal.
When will I receive my insurance enrollment card?
Insurance enrollment cards will be mailed beginning in early August. Please sign-up for the Duke Plan as soon as possible to ensure you receive your card before the start of the plan year. Your insurance card will be mailed to your “mail” address on ACES.
Please note that the Duke Plan includes a prescription drug benefit. To use this benefit, you must have your insurance card in your possession at the time of service. You will not be able to receive the prescription drug benefit retroactively. Delays in making your insurance decision may result in delays in receiving your insurance card, and the possibility of lost insurance benefits under the prescription drug plan.
Is coverage available for my spouse and/or children?
Coverage for dependents is available (in addition to the student premium) as follows:
Plan Spouse Child(ren) Family Enrollment and payment for dependent coverage plans is handled directly with Koster Insurance. To enroll, visit www.kosterweb.com and complete the on-line enrollment form. The plan period runs from August 17, 2007 to August 16, 2008. We encourage you to complete the enrollment process prior to the start of the plan year so that you have your insurance card prior to the start of your coverage. New enrollments will not be accepted after September 30th without a qualifying event (contact Koster Insurance for a list of qualifying events).
Payment is due upon enrollment; if you elect to pay quarterly, payments are due:
- 1st installment, upon enrollment
- 2nd installment, October 15, 2007
- 3rd installment, January 15, 2008
- 4th installment, April 15, 2008
If you elect to pay quarterly, you will receive a payment reminder from Koster. Please pay on time to avoid an interruption in coverage.
You may pay by credit or debit card (on-line) or check.
For more information, or to purchase this coverage, please contact Koster Insurance at (866) 746-8700 or visit the Duke page at www.kosterweb.com.
I am arriving at Duke for school related activities prior to the start of the 07/08 Duke Plan Year (starts August 17, 2007). Am I able to secure early coverage?
If you plan to arrive at Duke for school related activities prior to the August 17, 2007 plan start date and need to secure early insurance coverage (for individual and/or dependent plans), you may be eligible to enroll in the remaining portion of the 2006/2007 Duke Plan. To start the enrollment process, please call Hill, Chesson at 919-489-7426. Hill, Chesson will work with Duke to verify your eligibility. Once approved, they will e-mail you with an enrollment form and the amount of your premium. To complete enrollment, you must return the enrollment form and payment to Hill, Chesson prior to your coverage start date.
Note that the 06/07 Duke Plan is managed by Hill, Chesson while the 07/08 Duke Plan is managed by Koster Insurance. Early coverage (both individual and dependent plans) in the 06/07 Duke Plan must be arranged directly with Hill, Chesson. Dependent coverage plans for the 07/08 Duke Plan must be purchased directly from Koster Insurance.
I have more questions about enrolling...what resources are available?
Student Health
(919) 681-WELL
http://healthydevil.studentaffairs.duke.eduBursar's Office
(919) 684-3531
http://www.bursar.duke.eduKoster Insurance
(866) 746-8700
http://www.kosterweb.comBlue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina
(877) 570-5640
http://www.bcbsnc.com
I have questions regarding my coverage in the Duke Plan....who should I contact? ?
Contact BCBSNC (1-877-570-5640, 8 AM to 6 PM EST, Monday - Friday) for assistance with the following:
- Confirm your enrollment in the Duke Plan for 2007/2008
- confirm enrollment of your dependent(s) in a dependent plan
- ask plan benefit questions (to include pharmacy coverage)
- inquire on status of claims
- ask about plan provider network
- appeal a denied claim
Additional information is available at www.bcbsnc.com.
Contact Koster Insurance (1-866-746-8700, 8:30 AM to 6 PM EST, Monday - Friday) for assistance with the following::
- Confirm your enrollment in the Duke Plan for 2007/2008
- enroll dependent(s) in one of the dependent plans
- request withdrawal from the Duke Plan
- request late enrollment in the Duke Plan
Additional information is available at www.kosterweb.com.