MSU Health and Dental Plan Opt-Out Available (September 1-30 2009) - MacInsiders - Student-run McMaster University Help Forum

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MSU Health and Dental Plan Opt-Out Available September 1st-30th

All full-time undergraduate students are automatically signed up for the MSU's Health and Dental plan. However, many students have their health care needs covered by their parents' plans. Thus, the MSU allows students to opt-out of their health care plans, and receive money back in the form of a cheque. You may opt-out of the dental plan ($95) or the health care plan ($45), or both. The coverage for the plans is from September 1 2009 until August 31st 2009.

To opt out, you will out a simple online application and have proof that your are enrolled in another health care plan. Once the claim forms are submitted you will either be able to pick up the cheque in a few months, or have it mailed to you. The dates for the opt-out are September 1st to 30th ONLY, there are no exceptions to these dates. If you are also a varsity athlete you may not opt-out of the MSU plan.

However before opting out of the plan, it is recommended that you compare the MSU coverage to your existing plan. The information on the dental plan is available here and the health plan here. Once you have opted out of the MSU plan you may not opt back in.

nh999 · 09-01-2009 at 09:54 AM

Just a clarification, I believe you are not allowed to opt out only for the medical plan if you are a varsity athlete. You can opt out of the dental plan...Correct me if I'm wrong (proof from a site or something..).

jhan523 · 09-01-2009 at 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nh999

Just a clarification, I believe you are not allowed to opt out only for the medical plan if you are a varsity athlete. You can opt out of the dental plan...Correct me if I'm wrong (proof from a site or something..).

I don't see why you wouldn't be able to opt out if you have equivalent or better coverage from another health plan.

nh999 · 09-01-2009 at 10:03 AM

I don't know either.

But it says on the Marauders website:

"No athlete (CIS, OUA or Club) is permitted to opt out of the MSU Health Plan."

http://www.athrec.mcmaster.c a/stud...te/medical.htm

I guess it ensures maximal protection for athletes, since they may get injured...

jhan523 · 09-01-2009 at 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nh999

I don't know either.

But it says on the Marauders website:

"No athlete (CIS, OUA or Club) is permitted to opt out of the MSU Health Plan."

http://www.athrec.mcmaster.c a/stud...te/medical.htm

I guess it ensures maximal protection for athletes, since they may get injured...

That statement is under "No Private Health Insurance". If you have equivalent or better coverage you can opt out of the MSU Health Plan. You should probably complete the insurance information form on MARS before you opt out though.

nh999 · 09-01-2009 at 10:25 AM

hmm...that's true.

But I've been a varsity athlete, and I believe they told us we were not supposed to opt out of the MSU health plan. I also know someone on another varsity team, and they were told the same thing.

Well, I found it helpful to have the MSU plan anyway, because I never thought I would get injured. But when I did, my private plan didn't cover all of it, but the MSU plan covered the rest.

jhan523 · 09-01-2009 at 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nh999

hmm...that's true.

But I've been a varsity athlete, and I believe they told us we were not supposed to opt out of the MSU health plan. I also know someone on another varsity team, and they were told the same thing.

Well, I found it helpful to have the MSU plan anyway, because I never thought I would get injured. But when I did, my private plan didn't cover all of it, but the MSU plan covered the rest.

Yeah, athletes should look at what they are covered under private health insurance and compare it to the MSU health plan.

Lois · 09-01-2009 at 10:41 AM

I would recommend picking up the cheque instead of having it mailed. The line-up isn't long.

I've heard stories about the cheques not being sent or sent to the wrong address. A girl who lived in Toronto didn't get her cheque, and it was cashed in London, ON. :\

jhan523 · 09-01-2009 at 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jay

I would recommend picking up the cheque instead of having it mailed. The line-up isn't long.

I've heard stories about the cheques not being sent or sent to the wrong address. A girl who lived in Toronto didn't get her cheque, and it was cashed in London, ON. :\

How can you cash a cheque with someone else's name on it?

Infinity · 09-01-2009 at 11:22 AM

yeh.. how do you cash a cheque with a name thats not yours?

I once found a cheque worth hundreds but its useless to me... so I had to give it back.

and do we really need the MSU health insurance plan?

jhan523 · 09-01-2009 at 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patelp

and do we really need the MSU health insurance plan?

If you have equivalent or better coverage then you can opt out of the MSU health plan.

Lois · 09-01-2009 at 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhan523

How can you cash a cheque with someone else's name on it?

You'd be surprised, many tellers don't check the cheques. 4 of my cousins and 3 of my aunts work at banks and there've been a bunch of complaints.

sinthusized · 09-01-2009 at 11:25 AM

annoying

jhan523 · 09-01-2009 at 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jay

You'd be surprised, many tellers don't check the cheques. 4 of my cousins and 3 of my aunts work at banks and there've been a bunch of complaints.

Wow, no wonder some people don't trust banks...

xxsumz · 09-01-2009 at 03:00 PM

Yay..more money coming back to me xD