Spring 2023 Early Arrival Health Insurance

Health insurance coverage for the Spring 2023 semester begins on January 1, 2023. MSU students entering the United States before January 1 should buy early arrival health insurance coverage to ensure they have access to health care the entire time they are inside the country. Early arrival coverage costs $6 per day and can be purchased for any number of days. 

To apply for the early arrival coverage, please use this application form: Early Arrival Health Insurance – Spring 2023

When the application form is complete, you should send it to MSU Human Resources - SolutionsCenter(at)hr.msu.edu.

IMPORTANT: You must send in your health insurance application from your @msu.edu email address and use the following subject line for the email: IS Early Arrival Application #encrypt

Using “#encrypt” in the subject line will protect the email message and the attached application form, which is very important since it will contain credit/debit card information. 

Please contact ihealth(at)msu.edu with any questions or concerns.

Health Insurance Requirement:

International students at Michigan State University have long been required to carry health insurance and have been automatically enrolled in MSU’s Student Health Insurance Plan, or SHIP. Students have previously had the option to waive out of the required MSU SHIP, with privately obtained health insurance coverage. Starting Fall 2020, international students will be required to keep the MSU SHIP, without a waiver option for most students.

Privately obtained health insurance plans often cover less than the MSU SHIP and exclude coverage for common health events experienced by college students.

In recent years, international students with private coverage have experienced financial hardship and barriers to health care access, resulting in threats to academic success and student wellbeing.

The MSU SHIP is comprehensive and compliant with the Affordable Care Act, ensuring that international Spartans are fully protected in the event of a health care emergency.

The current health insurance provider for MSU international students is the Blue Care Network, often called simply "BCN". You can learn more about the BCN plan on the MSU Human Resources website.

Who can waive?

Most international students will no longer have the option to use health insurance other than MSU’s SHIP. A limited number of international students will still have access to apply for a waiver. Those groups are as follows:

1. International students sponsored by home governments or non-governmental organizations outside of MSU. 
   
   
2. International students with MSU staff benefits, through own employment or spouse/parent employment. 
   
   
3. International students with U.S. employee benefits, through own employment or spouse/parent employment.  
   
   
4. International students in an exclusively online program.
   
   
5. International students remaining outside the U.S. for the full waiver period should apply for a Health Insurance Exemption as opposed to a waiver. Please click the "Health Insurance Exemption Process" link above. 

How and When to Apply for a Health Insurance Waiver

More details about the Health Insurance Waiver process can be found at https://hr.msu.edu/benefits/students/health/waiver.html.

MSU Student Health Services offers a wide range of medical services on campus at the Olin Health Center.

Your health care costs will be lowest at Olin, so it should be your first stop whenever possible. For emergencies, please go to the nearest Emergency Room. For information on what is an emergency, see the “Is this an Emergency?” section of the Local Health Facilities Map.

• You must make an appointment to see a medical provider at Olin. Call 517-353-4660 to schedule your appointment. Many appointments will take place the same day you call.

• If you need a ride to the Olin Health Center and live on campus or within one mile of campus, the Olin Health Center Courtesy Van can give you a free ride to your appointment. Call 517-353-4700 to schedule a ride.

• If you live on campus, there is a clinic in your neighborhood! Find the nearest clinic and call 517-353-4660 to schedule your appointment: http://olin.msu.edu/services/neighborhoodclinics.htm

• The Olin 24-Hour Phone Information Nurse Line allows you to contact a nurse anytime, day or night, with health-related questions. Learn more at http://olin.msu.edu/services/pin.htm.

Local area students who are sick or hurt when the Olin Health Center is closed can seek medical care close to campus. Please refer to this map of local health care resources. 

Students who are studying outside of Michigan but are still located inside the United States can use this resource to find health care providers that are in-network for MSU's student insurance through the Blue Care Network. 

There are three types of resources students in this situation should use:  

Urgent Care Centers

In the United States, it is best to visit a facility called an Urgent Care Center for most common illnesses or injuries. At an Urgent Care Center, no appointments are needed and students can usually see a doctor quickly (within one hour). The cost for treatment is much lower than an Emergency Room (“ER”). You can find the locations of Urgent Care Centers located close to MSU's campus on our Local Health Facilities Map (PDF).

Hospital Emergency Rooms (or "ER") 

Students should only use a hospital emergency room when facing a serious illness or injury. In most countries around the world, people can visit hospitals for any kind of illness or injury, even if it is a minor condition. In the United States, students should only use the ER when the condition is a serious emergency. It is a common mistake for international students to go to the ER when experiencing a minor illness or injury. Students who make this mistake often wait for several hours to see a doctor and end up paying a high price for their medical care. However, when the injury or illness is severe or if an illness or injury is not improving with medical care from another doctor, the ER is the right place to go.

Below are examples of appropriate conditions for ER treatment:

• Loss of conciousness
• Signs of a heart attack that last 2 minutes or longer, which include chest pain or chest pain radiating to the left arm
• Signs of a stroke, which include sudden onset of numbness in any extremity and elevated blood pressure
• A major injury, such as a head injury
• Bleeding that does not stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure
• Sudden severe pain
• Severe shortness of breath
• A severe or worsening reaction to an insect bite or sting, or to a medication, especially if breathing is affected
• Unexplained stupor, drowsiness or disorientation
• Poisoning
• Coughing up or vomiting blood
• Suicidal or homicidal feelings
• Anything else you reasonably believe may be an emergency

911 Emergency Line

If you or someone near you is in a life-threatening situation, always dial 911 from any phone. An ambulance, police officers, or fire engine will be sent to your location. 

Pharmacies in the United States can offer two types of medicine: prescription drugs and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.

Pharmacies also always have a professional pharmacist available whenever they are open. Pharmacists can answer questions you may have about the medicines available at the pharmacy.

Prescription Drugs

If a doctor wants you to take medicine for your medical condition, they will write a prescription for a certain drug. The prescription may be given to you on a piece of paper or may be sent electronically to a pharmacy that you choose. If your prescription is on a piece of paper you can take it to any pharmacy to get the prescription filled and to pick up your medicine. If your prescription is sent electronically, you should go directly to the pharmacy that received your electronic prescription. Your health insurance will usually cover most of the cost of prescription drugs.

Over-the-counter (OTC) Drugs

There are many common medications that are available to purchase without a prescription at pharmacies. Common OTC medications include: mild pain relievers, cold & cough medicines, and digestive remedies. These medications will be on store shelves instead of behind the pharmacy counter. If you are not sure which OTC drug to choose, you can ask the pharmacist for advice.

Local Pharmacies 

On Campus:

• Olin Health Center
• MSU Clinical Center

Off Campus:

• Meijer
• Kroger
• Target
• Walmart
• CVS 
• Walgreens 
• Rite Aid

If you want to get work experience in the United States after graduation, you will use work authorization called either Optional Practical Training (F-1) or Academic Training (J-1). Learn more about work authorization in the U.S.

F-1 Optional Practical Training

After you graduate from MSU, there is no requirement for you to continue to carry health insurance. However, the cost of medical care in the United States is so high that it is very risky to be inside the country without health insurance coverage. We highly recommend that you obtain coverage for your entire OPT time period.

• If you are employed full-time during OPT, you might receive health insurance as a benefit of your employment. (NOTE: U.S. employer-issued health insurance policies often do not cover medical evacuation or repatriation, which are essential coverages for any non-citizen living in the U.S. Please email ihealth(at)msu.edu for information on how to buy an inexpensive policy to meet these needs.)

• If you do not receive employee health insurance, you should obtain your own health insurance. You can continue to purchase MSU Student Health Insurance (BCN) during OPT if you wish. You can enroll by contacting MSU Human Resources at 517-353-4434 or SolutionsCenter(at)hr.msu.edu.

• If you would prefer to use a different plan, please email the OISS Community Health Program at ihealth(at)msu.edu. We can send you a list of alternative plans that can be used during OPT.

J-1 Academic Training

After you graduate from MSU, the university will no longer enforce a health insurance requirement.

However, the J-1 visa status does require that you maintain sufficient health insurance coverage at all times.

All J-1 and J-2 visas holders are required to maintain health insurance that meets the following minimum requirements:

• $100,000 per sickness/illness
• $100,000 per accident/injury
• $50,000 for medical evacuation
• $25,000 for repatriation
• Maximum $500 deductible
• Coinsurance does not exceed 25% of covered benefit expense per accident or illness.

You are responsible for maintaining your status and that of any J-2 dependents while in the United States. Failure to maintain health insurance that meets the above criteria will result in a violation of your visa status.

• You can continue to purchase MSU Student Health Insurance (BCN) during Academic Training if you wish. You can enroll by contacting MSU Human Resources at 517-353-4434 or SolutionsCenter(at)hr.msu.edu. If you would prefer to use a different plan, please email the OISS Community Health Program at ihealth(at)msu.edu. We can send you a list of alternative plans that meet the J-1 visa requirements and can be used during Academic Training.
• If you receive health insurance as a benefit of your employment during Academic Training, it is not likely to meet all J-1 requirements. Please email your policy details to ihealth(at)msu.edu for an evaluation of your policy’s compliance with J-1 visa requirements.

What to Expect After Seeking Medical Care

Explanation of Benefits (EOB)

The insurance company will send you a form called the "Explanation of Benefits" (EOB). This form may be sent to you electronically or in the mail. The EOB is not a medical bill. The purpose of EOB is to tell you what portion of a claim was paid to the health care provider by the insurance company and what portion of the payment, if any, you are responsible for. If you have questions concerning your EOB, please contact the toll-free number on your insurance card or visit OISS for assistance.

Medical bills

In addition to the EOB, you will receive bills in the mail from the medical service providers. At times, you may receive multiple bills.

OISS Can Help

If you have questions regarding your bills or EOBs, please visit OISS during walk-in hours (1-3pm: Monday – Friday) to meet with a health advisor. If you are unavailable during the walk-in hours, please contact ihealth(at)msu.edu to schedule an appointment.

Please bring your health insurance card, all of the bills and explanations of benefits that have been received to your appointment.

Learn More

Click Understanding the EOB for more information. 

Click How Health Insurance Works for more information (Includes definitions of words found on the EOB).

All J-1 and J-2 visas holders are required to maintain health insurance through a qualifying MSU health insurance policy that meets the following requirements:

• $100,000 per sickness/illness
• $100,000 per accident/injury
• $50,000 for medical evacuation
• $25,000 for repatriation
• $500 deductible maximum
• Coinsurance must not exceed 25% per accident or illness
• The insurance company underwriting the policy must have one of the following ratings: 
• An A.M. Best rating of "A-" or above
• A McGraw Hill Financial/Standard & Poor's Claims-paying Ability rating of "A-" or above 
• A Weiss Research, Inc. rating of "B+" or above 
• A Fitch Ratings, Inc of "A-" or above 
• A Moody's Investor Services rating of "A3" or above 

All J-1 and J-2 visa holders will be required to submit proof of enrollment into either a qualifying employee MSU health insurance policy (through BCN, Community Blue (non-CDHP), or Cigna) or the MSU Student BCN policy (for non-benefits eligible employees or non-employees) to complete the government check-in with OISS. 

Enrolling into a qualifying MSU health insurance policy for yourself and your J-2 dependents is one of your top priorities upon arriving at MSU. You are responsible for maintaining your and your dependents' immigration status while in the U.S. Failure to maintain health insurance through a qualifying MSU insurance plan that meets the above criteria will result in a violation of your J-1 or J-2 status. 

OISS will require proof of your health insurance before we can complete your government check-in. You will then be required to submit proof of enrollment into an MSU health insurance policy. 

If you are an employee of MSU, your insurance may be provided by the University.

J-1 Scholars employed by MSU full-time for more than nine months

MSU will provide your health insurance. You will have the following three plan options to choose from that are compliant with the J-1 regulations: Blue Care Network (BCN), Community Blue PPO, or Cigna. When you check-in with your department, you will be scheduled for orientation with Human Resources at which time you will be provided with health insurance enrollment information. Please refer to the MSU Human Resources website for additional information on employee insurance.

J-1 Scholars who will be employed for less than nine months by MSU

You are responsible for providing your own health insurance and must purchase the MSU Blue Care Network (BCN) insurance policy for yourself and any J-2 dependents. Please contact MSU HR to purchase this plan upon arrival. If your MSU host department would like to purchase this plan on your behalf, they can coordinate with MSU HR to do so. . Learn more about your options by clicking on “J-1 Scholars Who are Not Employed by MSU” below.

Health Insurance Option:

You are required to purchase the MSU Student Insurance Policy (which exceeds the J-visa requirements) through MSU Human Resources. Please contact HR.

MSU Student Health Services offers a wide range of medical services on campus at the Olin Health Center.

Your health care costs will be lowest at Olin, so it should be your first stop whenever possible.

• You must make an appointment to see a medical provider at Olin. Call 517-353-4660 to schedule your appointment. Many appointments will take place the same day you call.

• If you need a ride to the Olin Health Center and live on campus or within one mile of campus, the Olin Health Center Courtesy Van can give you a free ride to your appointment. Call 517-353-4700 to schedule a ride.

• If you live on campus, there is a clinic in your neighborhood! Find the nearest clinic and call 517-353-4660 to schedule your appointment. To find the nearest clinic, go to the Olin Neighborhood Clinic website.

• The Olin 24-Hour Phone Information Nurse Line allows you to contact a nurse anytime, day or night, with health-related questions. Learn more at about the Olin 24-Hour Phone Information Nurse Line.
  

Spouses

F-2 and J-2 spouses can receive medical care at Olin Health Center. 

Children

F-2 and J-2 children cannot receive medical care at Olin Health Center. Children can receive medical care at MSU Health Team Pediatrics or with any provider that is considered in-network for your health insurance plan.

Scholars who are sick or hurt when the Olin Health Center is closed can seek medical care off-campus. There are three types of resources students in this situation should use:

Urgent Care Centers

In the United States, it is best to visit a facility called an Urgent Care Center for most common illnesses or injuries. At an Urgent Care Center, no appointments are needed and students can usually see a doctor quickly (within one hour). The cost for treatment is much lower than an Emergency Room (“ER”). You can find the locations of Urgent Care Centers located close to MSU's campus on our Local Health Facilities Map (PDF).

Hospital Emergency Rooms (or "ER") 

Students should only use a hospital emergency room when facing a serious illness or injury. In most countries around the world, people can visit hospitals for any kind of illness or injury, even if it is a minor condition. In the United States, students should only use the ER when the condition is a serious emergency. It is a common mistake for international students to go to the ER when experiencing a minor illness or injury. Students who make this mistake often wait for several hours to see a doctor and end up paying a high price for their medical care. However, when the injury or illness is severe or if an illness or injury is not improving with medical care from another doctor, the ER is the right place to go.

Below are examples of appropriate conditions for ER treatment:

• Loss of conciousness
• Signs of a heart attack that last 2 minutes or longer, which include chest pain or chest pain radiating to the left arm
• Signs of a stroke, which include sudden onset of numbness in any extremity and elevated blood pressure
• A major injury, such as a head injury
• Bleeding that does not stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure
• Sudden severe pain
• Severe shortness of breath
• A severe or worsening reaction to an insect bite or sting, or to a medication, especially if breathing is affected
• Unexplained stupor, drowsiness or disorientation
• Poisoning
• Coughing up or vomiting blood
• Suicidal or homicidal feelings
• Anything else you reasonably believe may be an emergency

911 Emergency Line

If you or someone near you is in a life-threatening situation, always dial 911 from any phone. An ambulance, police officers, or fire engine will be sent to your location. 

What to expect after seeking medical care

1. "Explanation of Benefits" (EOB)

The insurance company will send you a form called the "Explanation of Benefits" (EOB). This form may be sent to you electronically or in the mail. The EOB is not a medical bill. The purpose of EOB is to tell you what portion of a claim was paid to the health care provider by the insurance company and what portion of the payment, if any, you are responsible for. If you have questions concerning your EOB, please contact the toll-free number on your insurance card or visit OISS for assistance.

2. Medical bills

In addition to the EOB, you will receive bills in the mail from the medical service providers. At times, you may incur multiple bills.

Where to get help with the EOB or the bill

If you have questions regarding your bills or EOBs, please visit OISS during walk-in hours (1-3pm: Monday – Friday) to meet with a health advisor. If you are unavailable during the walk-in hours, please contact ihealth(at)msu.edu to schedule an appointment.

Please bring your health insurance card, all of the bills and explanations of benefits that have been received to your appointment.

Learn more

Click Understanding the EOB for more information. 

Click How Health Insurance Works for more information (Includes definitions of words found on the EOB).

Health insurance coverage is a requirement of all Exchange Visitors in J-1 or J-2 status

All J-1 and J-2 visa holders are required to maintain health insurance that meets the following requirements: 

• $100,000 per sickness and illness
• $100,000 per accident and injury 
• $50,000 for medical evacuation 
• $25,000 for repatriation 
• $500 deductible 
• Co-insurance must not exceed 25% per accident or illness 
• The insurance company underwriting the policy must have one of the following ratings: 
• An A.M. Best rating of "A-" or above 
• A McGraw Hill Financial/Standard & Poor's Claims-paying Ability rating of "A-" or above 
• A Weiss Research, Inc. rating of "B+" or above 
• A Fitch Ratings, Inc of "A-" or above 
• A Moody's Investor Services rating of "A3" or above 
• OR the policy must be backed by the full faith and credit of your home country government 

Children are not eligible to be seen at the Olin Student Health Center. 

You do not need a referral from your assigned Primary Care Provider (PCP), in order to take your child to a pediatrician. Just search for an in-network pediatrician and make an appointment with them. 

To search for an in-network pediatrician, you have two options:

1. Call the phone number on the back of your insurance card for customer service.

2. Search online at Blue Care Network

• Login
• Click "Find a Doctor"
• We strongly recommend you register to get better online service from Blue Care Network, but it is not required. 
• If you do not register or login, click "Search without logging in". 
• Click “All plans” and select "Employer Group Plans". Scroll down to "Michigan State University Graduate Assistant and Student Health Plans" and choose “Student Health Services Network (Within 45 miles of Olin Health Center)”.
• Type in "East Lansing, MI" at “Your Location” and type in "pediatrics" in the search bar.
• Find a doctor who is either "Accepting new patients" or "Accepting some new patients" and call the doctor to make an appointment. 

It can take many days or weeks to see a pediatrician as a new patient. If your child needs to be seen right away for a non-life threatening illness or injury, call an Urgent Care to find out if they can treat your child. Be sure to tell the Urgent Care your child's age as some Urgent Care facilities have age restrictions for young children and babies. Find Urgent Care facilities on our Local Health Facilities Map.

Family Health Insurance Award Program

Eligible

Current Application Deadline

Dependents who are U.S. citizens, such as children born in the United States, are able to apply for Medicaid.

Medicaid is health insurance provided by the U.S. government for citizens who cannot otherwise afford health insurance. Go to Medicaid in Michigan for more information.

Ingham County Health Department

The Ingham County Health Department has many resources for families. The Ingham County Health Department website contains information on a variety of topics, such as low-cost vaccines, dental care, vision care, speech and hearing health care, and prenatal care for families expecting a baby.

Health & Vaccination Clinics

Ingham County Health Department Health Clinics for Pediatric Care

Ingham County Immunization Clinic

Vaccine Halloween 

is an annual vaccination event, hosted in October at MSU’s International Center. The event offers low-cost and free vaccines for families and children. Many vaccines are available, including the flu vaccine and the HPV vaccine. There are Halloween-themed crafts, a costume closet, Halloween photo booth, and a family resource fair, as well. Keep checking our website and follow us on social media for more information.

Pediatric Dental coverage through MSU student health insurance

Students and Scholars who enroll in the MSU Blue Care Network Student Health Insurance Plan have access to a variety of pediatric dental services for their children. Go to page 18 of the Blue Care Network MSU Student Health Plan Member Guide for a complete list of dental care for children offered by the plan. 

Delta Dental Optional Dental Coverage

Michigan State University also offers optional dental insurance coverage to graduate assistants, students, and dependent family members through Delta Dental.

Coverage and Enrollment Dates for the MSU Delta Dental Plan for 2018 Spring Semester are:

Open Enrollment: November 1, 2017 through February 28, 2018

Coverage Period: January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018

Learn more about the Delta Dental Student Plan and how to enroll at MSU Student Benefits

Delta Dental Patient Direct Discount Plan

Delta Dental Patient Direct Discount Plan is an easy and inexpensive alternative to dental insurance. This option is a way for you and your family to save money on the health care products and services that you need, including discounts on dental, vision and hearing care, and prescription drugs. For an annual fee of $80 per household, you and your family will have access to a variety of discounted health care services. Learn more about Delta Dental's Patient Direct Discount Plan.

LCC Dental Clinic

The Lansing Community College Dental Clinic is a great resource for students and their families to receive low-cost dental hygiene care. The dental clinic consists of highly trained dental hygienists and licensed clinic dentists dedicated to serving the Greater-Lansing community. For more information on the LCC Dental Clinic, please visit the LCC Dental Clinic website.

VSP optional vision coverage

Michigan State University offers graduate assistants, students, and dependent family members with comprehensive vision coverage through Vision Service Plan (VSP). Those interested in vision insurance may enroll in the VSP coverage option at any time on the MSU Student Vision Insurance website.