Health Insurance Hazing

Do you have a child in college? Do they have health insurance? Does it cover everything?

Guess again.

Most campus health centers have not registered as "in network" for the biggest regional health insurers. That means students covered by their family's plan typically can't get reimbursed for many tests and procedures performed by campus health clinics.

Those out of network penalties will get you every time.

But it gets worse.

a growing number of colleges are heavily promoting school-sponsored plans

I have two in college. The plans promoted by the school are little more than primary care. God forbid anyone should become seriously ill or injured and expect these plans to cover their bills.

to keep the premiums down, Washington and many other schools sell plans that exclude some benefits. Washington's plan, for example, covers about 80 percent of most medical charges but doesn't cover most outpatient prescription drugs. A survey of Massachusetts colleges found that several, including Lesley University and Springfield College, required all students who didn't have other coverage to buy plans that cost more than $1,000 a year but limited benefits for any one injury or illness to just $25,000, which often isn't enough to cover surgery or extended hospitalization

Better check your plan.

Otherwise, prepare to get hosed by your carrier when you submit a bill.