Cardinal Care is the student health insurance plan offered by Stanford University to its students. The plan is designed to provide comprehensive health insurance coverage to students, including medical, dental, and vision care. Cardinal Care is administered by Aetna Student Health, a leading provider of student health insurance plans.
The plan is mandatory for all registered Stanford students, with some exceptions. Students who are already covered by a comparable health insurance plan may be able to waive Cardinal Care. However, students who do not have comparable coverage are required to enroll in Cardinal Care. The plan is designed to ensure that all Stanford students have access to quality healthcare while they are enrolled at the university.
Benefits and Coverage
Cardinal Care provides a wide range of benefits and coverage to Stanford students. The plan covers medical expenses, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications. It also includes dental and vision coverage, as well as mental health and substance abuse treatment. The plan has a network of participating providers, including Stanford Health Care and other local healthcare providers.
The plan's benefits include preventive care services, such as annual physicals and screenings, as well as specialty care services, such as dermatology and cardiology. The plan also covers emergency services, including emergency room visits and urgent care. Students can access care at Stanford Health Care facilities, as well as at other participating providers in the network.
Plan Details
The Cardinal Care plan has several key features and details that students should be aware of. The plan has a deductible, which is the amount that students must pay out-of-pocket before the insurance plan begins to pay. The plan also has copays and coinsurance, which are the amounts that students must pay for certain services after the deductible has been met.
The plan's premium is charged to students' university accounts on a quarterly basis. The premium includes the cost of medical, dental, and vision coverage. Students who are eligible to waive Cardinal Care must do so by the deadline, which is typically before the start of each academic quarter.
| Benefit Category | Cardinal Care Coverage |
|---|---|
| Medical | 80% of eligible expenses after deductible and copay |
| Dental | 100% of preventive care, 80% of basic restorative care |
| Vision | 100% of eye exam, 80% of glasses or contacts |
Enrollment and Waiver Process
Stanford students are automatically enrolled in Cardinal Care unless they waive the plan. To waive Cardinal Care, students must have comparable health insurance coverage that meets the university’s waiver requirements. Students who wish to waive Cardinal Care must submit a waiver application by the deadline, which is typically before the start of each academic quarter.
The waiver application requires students to provide information about their existing health insurance plan, including the plan's benefits and coverage. The university reviews the waiver application to ensure that the student's existing plan meets the waiver requirements. If the waiver is approved, the student is not required to enroll in Cardinal Care.
Waiver Requirements
To waive Cardinal Care, students’ existing health insurance plans must meet certain requirements. The plan must provide comparable coverage to Cardinal Care, including medical, dental, and vision benefits. The plan must also have a similar network of providers, including access to specialty care and hospital services.
The plan must also meet the university's minimum benefit requirements, which include coverage for preventive care, emergency services, and mental health treatment. Students who are unsure about whether their existing plan meets the waiver requirements should contact the university's health insurance office for guidance.
- Comparable coverage: The plan must provide similar benefits and coverage to Cardinal Care, including medical, dental, and vision care.
- Similar network of providers: The plan must have a similar network of participating providers, including access to specialty care and hospital services.
- Minimum benefit requirements: The plan must meet the university's minimum benefit requirements, including coverage for preventive care, emergency services, and mental health treatment.
What is the deadline to waive Cardinal Care?
+The deadline to waive Cardinal Care is typically before the start of each academic quarter. Students should check the university’s health insurance website for the exact deadline.
What are the benefits of enrolling in Cardinal Care?
+Cardinal Care provides comprehensive health insurance coverage, including medical, dental, and vision benefits. The plan also has a network of participating providers, including Stanford Health Care and other local healthcare providers.
