CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19): HEALTH INSURANCE FAQs 
 

Academic Year 2021-2022 Plan Changes

We have mostly returned to our pre-COVID policies and procedures, with the expectation of a return to on-campus studies for the 2021-2022 academic year. In the event that there is a sudden unexpected shift in the dynamics related to on-campus studies, HUSHP may make adjustments to the plan. An email communication would be distributed to notify students of any changes. Please visit the CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19): HEALTH INSURANCE FAQs page for updates regarding temporary measures HUSHP has taken in regards to COVID-19.

Please be advised to always check your plan benefits at the start of each term prior to having services, and/or contact us for assistance. 

 

Student Health Insurance Plan Medical Benefits
Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA - PPO
Category AY2021 (8/1/2020-7/31/2021) AY2022 (8/1/2021-7/31/2022)
Telemedicine Visits No cost-sharing for all in-network telemedicine visits due to the pandemic

Cost-sharing will apply to all non-covid-19 telemedicine visits
Child-Adolescent Behavioral Health Mandate

Coverage added for:

  • In-home therapy
  • In-home Behavioral Health therapy 
  • Intensive care coordination

In AY2021, we implemented Phase One of the MA requirement for the diagnosis and treatment of child-adolescent mental health disorders and added coverage for certain intermediate services.

Effective AY2022, Phase Two of this requirement will be implemented and the following two additional intermediate services will be added:

  • Family Support Training
  • Therapeutic Mentoring services 

Prescription Drug Benefits
Category AY2021 (8/1/2020-7/31/2021) AY2022 (8/1/2021-7/31/2022)
90-day Medication Fills

As a temporary measure due to the pandemic, members were able to fill up to a 90-day supply of most prescriptions at participating retail pharmacies.

As of 1/1/21, the Student Health Insurance Plan added a mail-order delivery benefit for 90-day fills of most prescription medications. 

 Members can fill up to a 60-day supply of most prescriptions at participating retail pharmacies and have the option to fill up to a 90-day supply of most medications through the mail-order delivery benefit.  
PillarRx Program N/A

PillarRx Copay Assistance Program 

PillarRx is a consulting firm that works directly with the health plan and pharmacy to coordinate financial support from prescription drug manufacturers. PillarRx Care Team Coordinators are pharmacy technicians who are highly trained on specialty medications and pharmacy processing practices. The Copay Assistance Program helps take the burden off the patient, their family, and/or caregivers by navigating the specialty medication process and negotiating and securing available manufacturer discounts. 

Specialty Medication Claims Process 

Most or all of your out-of-pocket expenses will be paid for by the drug manufacturer. If you are responsible for any remaining out-of-pocket costs, those can be applied to your health plan out-of-pocket limit.

If You Don’t Enroll 

Please note that if your medication is included in the program and you don’t enroll, you will likely have significantly higher out-of-pocket costs for these medications.

Members eligible for this program will be notified by mail of the enrollment process. 
Specialty Network

Accredo
Freedom Fertility for fertility medications.

Specialty Network Pharmacy Contact Information:

AcariaHealth
1-866-892-1202
https://acariahealth.envolvehealth.com/

Accredo
1-877-988-0058
www.accredo.com

CVS Specialty
1-866-846-3096
www.cvsspecialty.com

Specialty Network Pharmacy Contact Information for Fertility Medications:

Freedom Fertility Pharmacy
1-866-297-9452
www.freedomfertility.com

Village Fertility Pharmacy
1-877-334-1610
www.villagepharmacy.com

Student Health Fee (SHF)
Category AY2021 (8/1/2020-7/31/2021) AY2022 (8/1/2021-7/31/2022)
Rate Due to the pandemic, the cost will be implemented in two tiers depending on where the student is physically located:
  • Full Fee ($603/term): For those students on campus or residing in Massachusetts
  • 50% Discounted Fee ($301/term): For those students residing outside of Massachusetts (whether elsewhere in the United States or internationally) 
All students who pay the SHF will have access to many of the HUHS Clinic services in-person, as well as via telemedicine. All students are encouraged to reach out to HUHS with health or medical needs. 		 All students will pay the full fee and have access to both in-person and telemedicine visits at HUHS clinics; cost-sharing does not apply for most care at HUHS. 

Waiver Process
Category AY2021 (8/1/2020-7/31/2021) AY2022 (8/1/2021-7/31/2022)
Deadline to Waive (opt-out of health insurance)

Fall Term: September 30
Late Waiver: October 31

Waiving for the full academic year is not available. 

Fall Term: July 31
Late Waiver: September 30

Students can waive for the full year. 
Eligibility to Waive the Student Health Fee (SHF)
  • Active Duty Military 
  • Enrolled in the Harvard University Group Health Plan
  • Half-Time or Less
  • Active Duty Military 
  • Enrolled in the Harvard University Group Health Plan
  • Half-Time or Less

Added back options for:

  • Traveling Scholar/Study Abroad/Non-Resident Students 

Dental Plan
Category AY2021 (8/1/2020-7/31/2021) AY2022 (8/1/2021-7/31/2022)

Full Year Coverage:
Aug 1 – July 31

Spring Term Coverage:
Feb 1 – July 31

Full Year enrollment deadline: September 30

As a one-time exception due to the pandemic, spring enrollment will be available to students who did not elect to participate in the fall term. 

Full Year enrollment deadline: September 30

Spring enrollment eligibility is limited to:

  • New incoming Harvard Students starting in the spring term 
  • Students returning from a fall term leave of absence
  • Student experiencing a life-changing event 

Dependent Enrollment
Category AY2021 (8/1/2020-7/31/2021) AY2022 (8/1/2021-7/31/2022)
HUSHP Dependent Enrollment Deadline

September 30

Enrollment date extended due to COVID-19

August 31

Enrollment date reverted to original enrollment deadline

Graduating Students
Category AY2021 (8/1/2020-7/31/2021) AY2022 (8/1/2021-7/31/2022)
Extended Health Insurance Due to the pandemic, a one-time option to extend coverage for 6 months was offered for March, May, and November graduates. The option to extend HUSHP is not being offered.

Please see graduating student section for more information.