Health Insurance Policies
 

• Using Your Insurance for Therapy or Psychopharmacology Outside of Barnard

• Using Your Insurance for Medications

• Barnard's Mental Health Coverage

Using Your Insurance for Therapy or
Psychopharmacology Outside of Barnard

N.B.  Getting your money back from the insurance company will take organization and persistence.  Make an “Insurance” file now to keep copies of all documentation.

1. You need a referral from the Furman Counseling Center Staff recommending you to a therapist or psychiatrist in the community. They will give you a referral sheet with the treatment provider’s information.  They will also go on-line and register this referral with Barnard's insurance company.

2. Barnard’s student insurance acts as a supplemental plan only.  You must first contact your primary insurance provider (parental or family insurance).

3. Call the number on your insurance card.  Ask them the following questions: 

A:  Do I have outpatient mental health coverage? 

B:  What is the coverage for in-network providers_[1]?

C:  What is the coverage for out-of-network providers?

D:  What is the yearly maximum benefit ($ amt or # of visits)?

E.   Is there a deductible (amount you pay before insurance kicks in)?

4. If you have mental health coverage, and want to use your in-network benefit, obtain a list of providers for NYC, and bring it to your next appointment.  We will pass the list around to our staff so that they can identify people they recommend.

5. For most therapists or psychiatrists who are out-of-network, you will need to pay them each month, then apply for your reimbursement. 

6. You need to send their bill to your primary insurance first, even if they provide no mental health benefits.  (You may be able to get a claim form for your insurance off the internet.)  You will get an EOB- –Explanation of Benefits stating how much, if anything was paid.  Then, send the EOB and your identifying information (name, SSN, mailing address, BC student) to the student insurance address (see below).
7. If you have no other insurance, simply send the bill, along with your identifying information (name, SSN, mailing address, BC student) to the student insurance address (see below).

Back to top

Using Your Insurance for Medications

N.B.  Getting your money back from the insurance company will take organization and persistence.  Make an “Insurance” file now to keep copies of all documentation.

1. Take your prescription to the pharmacy, have them fill it, pay the full amount.

2. Make a copy of your receipt, and keep that in your Insurance file.

3. Submit your original receipt with a note to the Student Insurance, P.O. Box 809035, Dallas, TX  75380-9035.  Include the following information:
1. Name
2. Social Security Number
3. Current mailing address
4. Identify yourself as a Barnard College student

You will receive a reimbursement in the mail, less your $20 co-pay, up to $1,000

Back to top

Barnard's Mental Health Coverage

In accordance with Timothy’s Law, passed in New York State, mental health benefits must now match the coverage for physical health. 

Inpatient Coverage:  30 days

            It is possible to convert some inpatient coverage to day treatment.

Outpatient Coverage: Requires Referral from Furman Counseling Staff

For Biological Based Mental Illness (bulimia, anorexia, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, delusional disorders, bipolar disorder, major depression, schizophrenia/psychotic disorder):   $3,000 yearly maximum (Sept-Aug) summer coverage must be purchased separately

For psych diagnoses not listed as BBMI:  20 visits/year (Sept-Aug) summer coverage must be purchased separately

For diagnoses of alcoholism/substance abuse:  60 visits/year (Sept-Aug).  summer coverage must be purchased separately.  Up to 20 visits may be used for family counseling.  Care must be received in a facility with (1) alcoholisms treatment program certified by the NY State Division of Alcoholism and Alcohol abuse or (2) a substance abuse program certified by the NY State Division of Substance Abuse Services. 

For more information regarding your Student Health Insurance benefits please read your Student Insurance Handbook or go to website for online services: www.uhcsr.com

Underwritten by:
Gerber Life Insurance Co.
White Plains, NY

Claims Administered by:
Student Insurance
P.O. Box 809035
Dallas, TX  75380-9025

Email:
customerservice@uhcsr.com
claims@uhcsr.com
1-800-767-0700

Back to top