Health Insurance & The U.S. Medical System

Why Do I Have To Buy Health Insurance? Its required by the California State University System! Cost of health care in the U.S. is very expensive. – Ambulance service with a minor injury = $5,000 - $8,000 » Bicycle accident – Major accident or illness = $100,000 - $250,000 » Car accident or serious illness Foreign nationals may not become public charges (the state of California or the US Government does not pay for a foreigner) Its required by the California State University System! Cost of health care in the U.S. is very expensive. – Ambulance service with a minor injury = $5,000 - $8,000 » Bicycle accident – Major accident or illness = $100,000 - $250,000 » Car accident or serious illness Foreign nationals may not become public charges (the state of California or the US Government does not pay for a foreigner)

$5,000 - $250,000 What could this mean to you and your family? - Bummer – you have to plain rice for the next six months What does bummer mean? An unpleasant or disappointing experience -Major Bummer – you have to go home -Financial Ruin – your family could lose everything What could this mean to you and your family? - Bummer – you have to plain rice for the next six months What does bummer mean? An unpleasant or disappointing experience -Major Bummer – you have to go home -Financial Ruin – your family could lose everything

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Ok, what does that mean? (well, $1129 is not very small..no?) In this case, spending a small amount of money up front, could potentially save a large amount of money in the end. Ok, what does that mean? (well, $1129 is not very small..no?) In this case, spending a small amount of money up front, could potentially save a large amount of money in the end.

Where Can I Buy Insurance? Student Health Center On-line – your own research Must meet minimum requirements – $50,000 accident or illness – $10,000medical evacuation – $7,500repatriation(return of mortal remains to home country) Student Health Center On-line – your own research Must meet minimum requirements – $50,000 accident or illness – $10,000medical evacuation – $7,500repatriation(return of mortal remains to home country)

Terms: Premium – amount you pay for the insurance policy itself Deductible – amount of money that you must pay before the insurance company will cover any expenses usually $50-$100 per doctor visit Coinsurance Payment – the cost sharing requirement in an insurance policy – 80% up to $10,000, then 100% Example: If your doctor bill is $500 You would pay deductible + coinsurance (20%) Premium – amount you pay for the insurance policy itself Deductible – amount of money that you must pay before the insurance company will cover any expenses usually $50-$100 per doctor visit Coinsurance Payment – the cost sharing requirement in an insurance policy – 80% up to $10,000, then 100% Example: If your doctor bill is $500 You would pay deductible + coinsurance (20%) $50 $90

Types of Health Care Providers Student Health Center (SHC) Always try to use the SHC! It will save you money. No cost or low cost. Walk-In Clinic Use on nights and weekends when the SHC is closed. Doctors Office You may be referred by the SHC or a walk-in clinic depending upon the severity of your illness or injury. Hospital Only go to the hospital for serious illnesses or injuries. Student Health Center (SHC) Always try to use the SHC! It will save you money. No cost or low cost. Walk-In Clinic Use on nights and weekends when the SHC is closed. Doctors Office You may be referred by the SHC or a walk-in clinic depending upon the severity of your illness or injury. Hospital Only go to the hospital for serious illnesses or injuries. Least Expensive Most Expensive

I Have Insurance, Now What? Office of International Education Student Service Center, Room 440 Reception Desk James & Cindy will note it in your file.

Questions? What happens if I do not have Health Insurance?