Frequently Asked Questions
Who can use the
Any graduate student who has paid the separate Health Service Fee may be seen at the Health Center and/or Psychology Counseling Center
When is the office open?
Academic year: Monday- Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Hours change on Holidays and Breaks
Summer Hours: Monday- Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00p.m to 4:00p.m.
What if I think my problem is an emergency and I can’t wait for the office to open?
On campus emergencies call: 781-736-3333 (See emergence link)
Off campus call 911.
What if the
Depending on your insurance policy, there are nearby health clinics and emergency rooms. You will need your insurance card. (See Urgent Care link.)
How do I get an appointment at The Health Center?
If you have a non-emergency problem — call our office 781-736-3677. If we are not open, leave a detailed message and we will call you back usually by 8:30 a.m. on Monday – Friday and 10:00 a.m. weekends, and give you the earliest appointment for that day.
Who will see me?
We have registered nurses (RN’s), nurse practitioners (NP), and physicians (MD). If you use our walk-in service you will be seen by a RN. You can usually get an appointment within 24 hours a nurse practitioner or MD.
Do I have to bring money or my insurance card when I visit the
Your visit is covered by your Health Service Fee however you will need your insurance card for lab tests and prescriptions.
Can I get prescriptions at the
We have a prescription delivery service, Monday through Friday. The prescriptions can be paid with cash (correct amount), check or credit card at the time of pick up.
What if I need to see a specialist or go to an Urgent Care Center (UCC)?
If you have paid the
If I have a very private problem, will my parents/spouse/partner or professors be told?
No. No information is shared with anyone, staff, faculty, family or friends if you are over 18 years of age. Information about your care will only be given to someone with your specific written approval, except as required by law and in cases of danger to yourself or others.
What would I go to the
Any non emergent illness or injury, asthma, allergies, diabetes, urinary tract infections, contraception, emergency contraception, pregnancy tests, tests and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, HIV testing.
What is QSHIP?
QSHIP stands for a Qualifying Student Health Insurance Plan. Each year the University offers an insurance plan that is in accordance with
Do I have to buy QSHIP? What if I am already covered through my parents or spouse?
You do not need to purchase QSHIP if you are already covered by a qualifying insurance plan. You will need to submit proof of coverage, by entering your insurance information on the SAGE program, and sending us a copy of the front and back of your insurance card. International plans are acceptable only if they have a claims address in the
What is the name of the insurance company that provides QSHIP?
The plan we are currently using is Harvard Pilgrim Student Health. The plan is underwritten by HPHC Insurance Company and administered by United HealthCare Student Resources. The broker of the plan is Gallagher Koster Insurance Agency. Their customer service number is 1-800-457-5599.
Can I use the
Graduate students may elect to pay the
There is never a co-payment for services at the
I never got a QSHIP insurance card (or I may have lost it). How can I get a replacement?
Go to www.kosterweb.com, click student access and select Brandeis from the dropdown menu. Click on Generate Replacement ID card from the left side menu. You must log in to use this page. If you are not logged in, it will automatically direct you to this page. Once on the Generate Replacement ID Card page, click on Authorize Your User Account. Here you will enter your Student ID (Sage ID number), date of birth, and Brandeis. Once the account has been authenticated, click on Generate Replacement ID Card in the left hand menu and click on the checkbox next to Yes! I would like to generate a replacement card! And click on the Generate Card button. A new ID card will print on your printer.
Do I need a referral from the
No referrals are needed with QSHIP, although at times a doctor's office may request one. When you are referred, we will ask you to complete a form which will allow that doctor's office to send us information about your visit.
If you have private insurance we cannot do insurance referrals. This must come through your primary care doctor's office, or by calling your insurance company directly.
Where can I get a list of doctors who accept QSHIP? Is there a co-payment?
You can find a list of preferred providers for Harvard Pilgrim or United HealthCare at this website: https://www.geoaccess.com/uhc/po/Default.asp. Physicians can be looked up by location and by specialty. The co-pay is $15 per visit.
Will QSHIP cover the cost of any lab tests or x-rays? What if I have private insurance?
Most lab tests ordered by a provider here or outside referrals will be covered. There are limits of coverage based on each accident or illness incurred. At times students who have serious illnesses may reach or exceed those limits.
If you are covered by a private insurance plan, it is your responsibility to know if the insurance requires you to use a specific lab or testing site for labs or x-rays. We try to accommodate all, but cannot be responsible to know which insurances have specific requirements.
Are my medical records confidential? Do my parents, spouse or partner find out about every visit?
Medical records are confidential. We cannot release any information to parents or others without your consent. If you are over 18, you are considered an adult, and your records are protected by federal law. If you want us to speak with your parents, spouse or partner you will need to give us this consent each time you come in.
If you have private insurance through a family member, you may want to check with your insurance company, to see if any billing information will go to the primary card holder.
What should I do if I have a problem with my insurance through the University?
This is a very important question. Please don’t wait as waiting often causes additional problems. When there is a problem contact Diana Baccari our insurance coordinator at baccari@brandeis.edu or Kathleen Malone the
Why do we need Gallagher Koster, Medco. Harvard Pilgrim and United Healthcare StudentResources (UHCSR)?
Insurance program encompasses many components – an insurance carrier, claims company, pharmacy program and provider network. Our QSHIP is no different. Gallagher Koster is our insurance broker/account manager and works with the University to build a program to best meet the needs of the University and our students. .
The University has had a long successful relationship with Gallagher Koster. When we can’t resolve issues or have policy questions, we turn to them for assistance and advocacy.
Harvard Pilgrim Insurance Company is the company that actually insurers our program. Because they are the insurance company, your QSHIP ID card will have the Harvard Pilgrim name and logo on it. QSHIP also uses Harvard Pilgrim providers in Massachusetts,
United Healthcare StudentResources is the claims administrator that pays claims for Harvard Pilgrim Insurance Company. The claims address is on the back of your QSHIP ID card. The plan also uses United Healthcare’s PPO network for providers outside of MA, ME and NH so that you’ll have access to participating providers anywhere in the country. To locate a participating UHC provider, please go to https://www.geoaccess.com/uhc/po/Default.asp
The pharmacy program is administered through United Healthcare, using Medco participating pharmacies. Participating pharmacies include national retail chains such as CVS, Walgreens, Brooks, RiteAid, as well as local independent pharmacies. https://www.uhcsr.com/SHIP/PrescriptionDrugPlan.aspx MAIL ORDER
Can I purchase additional coverage through QSHIP?
Students may purchase an Optional Major Medical Benefit; dependents are not eligible to purchase this coverage. This benefit is subject to payment of an additional premium. The cost for students is $537.00.
The Optional Major Medical Benefit begins payment after the Basic Maximum Benefit of $100,000 has been paid by the Company. The Company will pay 100% for In-Network Providers or 80% for Out-of-Network Providers for additional Covered Medical Expenses incurred up to the Major Medical maximum of $400,000. The total benefit payable under Major Medical is $500,000 minus the Basic Benefits already paid.
For additional information see the QSHIP brochure.
I signed up for insurance through Brandeis. I didn’t receive a brochure with a detailed explanation of coverage. Where can I get that information?
The QSHIP brochure with coverage, exclusions and limitations, is on our website. If you would like a hard copy of the brochure contact Diana Baccari at baccari@brandeis.edu
I haven’t received my health insurance ID card, what should I do?
If you are enrolled in QSHIP, your ID card was sent to the address you have on file at Brandeis, which may be your on campus mailbox, or a local address. You have the convenience of printing an ID card from the Gallagher Koster website. Go to www.gallagherkoster.com, select
Where can I go for health care if I do not pay the
For information go to the
I didn’t have time to go into sage to report my private insurance. I ended up with QSHIP by default. I wish I had known that would happen?
Each year students need to make their insurance selection through sage. Generally the site becomes available in April with a deadline of June 1st. Unfortunately, because you didn’t report your private insurance through sage by this deadline, you will remain enrolled in QSHIP for the 08-09 policy year.
I wanted QSHIP and rather than electing to enroll though sage, I was enrolled by default and had to pay for my prescriptions in September.
If you default your name is held in a file until late September. You were insured as of August 15th. You would be required to pay out of pocket until the insurer receives our last file with your information. When you receive your card you can complete a reimbursement form. See next question for reimbursement information.
I enrolled for QSHIP in sage on August 17th. I went to the pharmacy on the 20th and they told me I wasn’t insured.
When you Select/Report through sage your information is held in a file and sent to Gallagher Koster once a week. You can be reimbursed when you receive your ID card.
For reimbursement information;
- Go to www.medcohealth.com
- Click on the “Forms & Cards” link
- Click on “Request order forms and cards” link
- Enter your Member ID# and Date of Birth
- Download a copy of the Medco reimbursement form or request to have a form mailed to you
For years I used a particular pharmacy. When the university changed insurers I had to pay out of pocket?
Unfortunately, not all insurers contract with all pharmacies. We would be happy to help you find a pharmacy in the area that accepts our insurance. You can locate participating pharmacies at www.uhcsr.com, then click on “Student Health Insurance and Plans” and create an account.
I had difficulty getting claims paid?
Your QSHIP ID card states “Student Health Plan” and has the name and address of the claims administrator, but be sure that your provider knows that you’re enrolled in the student health insurance plan underwritten by Harvard Pilgrim. There was some confusion this past year with providers not recognizing that QSHIP is a student health insurance plan and not another one of Harvard Pilgrims other health plans and claims were sometimes not initially sent to the correct claims administrator. Changes have been made to the insurance card which will hopefully avoid any further confusion, but it’s important to point out what HP plan you have
We are happy to help you resolve any problems you may have. Do not wait to contact us.
If you have any questions, please call us at 781-736-3677 or contact Diana Baccari at baccari@brandeis.edu