Frequently asked billing questions

There is a charge for office visits with a medical provider, laboratory tests, immunizations, and/or medical supplies (including contraceptives and prepackaged pharmacy medications). These services are provided at a reasonable cost.

Visits with a nurse or the dietitian are at no charge to students.

Health Service will file insurance claims on your behalf provided we have your current insurance policy information.

Students should carry a current medical insurance card to present to Health Service at the time of the office visit. Information about who the policy holder is will also be collected at that time.

We are not able to bill your insurance plan for pre-packaged pharmacy medications and most contraceptives. We can provide you with a receipt for you to submit to your insurance plan.

Health Service will accept all types of insurance; however, we do have special contracts with the following insurance companies: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Preferred One, Medica and Health Partners. These contracts often provide for increased benefits.

Here are some questions you should ask your medical insurance carrier:

Network

• Does your plan require you to be seen only by a provider included in their network?
• Are there participating providers in the St. Peter and Mankato area?
• Does your plan include out-of-network benefits?
• Do you need to get a "referral" from your primary clinic to be seen by a provider at another clinic?

Coverage

• Does your plan include coverage for issues that might affect college students such as mental health, eating disorders, or substance abuse?
• Does your plan cover routine physical exams or immunizations that may be required for specific programs or internships, study abroad or other travel experiences?

Any amount considered patient responsibility by your insurance plan will be charged to your student account. This includes co-pays, coinsurance and deductibles.

The policy holder should receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your insurance plan explaining these charges. Please wait to make payment until you receive a bill from Student Accounts at Gustavus. This will ensure that your payment is properly credited to your account.

Due to confidentiality laws, we only provide the Student Accounts Office with a date of service and the dollar amount to be billed. If you need a detailed receipt, please contact Health Service.

If Gustavus Health Service is not included in your insurance plan's network, your benefits may be less than you are used to paying at your home clinic. Check with your insurance plan to see if you need to get a referral from your primary clinic.

Prior to graduation or withdrawal from Gustavus, any amount outstanding to insurance will be billed to your student account. Your account will be credited when payment is received from your insurance plan. If necessary, a refund check will be mailed to you.

All Gustavus students are required to carry medical insurance. Students not covered by a family policy are required to enroll in the Gustavus Supplemental Insurance plan. For more information, contact the office of Student Accounts at 507-933-6244.

Individual insurance policies may be purchased from the companies we have contracts with or from other individual agents.

If you have financial concerns, you may qualify for a state sponsored health plan. For more information, contact Nicollet County Social Services at 507-387-4556.

You can pay by cash or check, or charge your student account. Some services are offered at a reduced rate for this reason. Please discuss this with the provider at your visit.

Insurance plans usually send an EOB to the policy holder, often your parents. Due to confidentiality laws, it is often difficult for most people to know exactly what the payment is for. If your parent should call Health Service, we would not be able to give them specific information about your visit without your written consent.

If you are injured or not feeling well, make an appointment to be seen by one of the providers at Health Service - we take care of the paperwork for you!

If you are seen at another medical facility, you must obtain a referral from Health Service and complete a claim form to be mailed in to claim services. Claims must be submitted within 180 days after the date of the injury or treatment for a sickness.

When you arrive for your appointment, provide both your primary health insurance card and your Gustavus student health insurance card. Coverage under this policy is excess to all other insurance and claims must be submitted to any other insurance first.

Covered benefits include emergency room visits, x-rays, lab work, office visits, prescriptions, therapeutic services and supplies for an accident or a sickness. Benefits are limited.

This policy does not cover services for normal health checkups, preventive testing, immunizations, eye examinations, dental treatment, family planning, etc.

For a complete copy of the student brochure, ID card, claim form, and complete instructions on how to file a claim, visit the Finance Office's Student Accounts page or the Gustavus Supplemental Insurance plan site. For any other billing questions, please contact Health Service at 507-933-7630.