FAQs for Graduate Assistants
Saint Louis University graduate assistants are eligible to participate in the SLU Student Health Insurance (UHP) plan administered in partnership with Aetna Student Health.
Graduate assistant appointments may include paid health insurance support that covers health plan premiums. Appointment letters will outline specific periods of paid health insurance support. Once an appointment is accepted, graduate assistants must actively enroll in in (or waive) the SLU Student Health Insurance (UHP) plan through the Aetna Student Health website.
Please see below for frequently asked questions (FAQs) by graduate assistants:
Open enrollment periods are:
- Fall: July 1 through Sept. 25
- Spring: Dec. 1 through Feb. 10
- Summer: May 1 through June 30
Open enrollment periods are time frames graduate assistants can enroll in, change or renew their health insurance. The Aetna Student Health website may be opened in advance of these dates. Special enrollment periods may also be available when qualifying life events (QLEs) (e.g. marriage, birth, loss of other coverage) occur.
Please contact the Student Health Insurance (UHP) office before submitting enrollment. The office will work with you to make sure appropriate coverage dates/plan term options are presented in the Aetna Student Health website.
SLU Student Health Insurance (UHP)
Main Office: 314-977-5666
Email: uhp@health.slu.edu
The Aetna Student Health website should present coverage dates/plan term options start dates that correspond to your paid health insurance start dates. Please contact the SLU Student Health Insurance (UHP) office if the dates on the Aetna Student Health website do not match the start dates of paid health insurance presented in your appointment letter.
SLU Student Health Insurance (UHP)
Main Office: 314-977-5666
Email: uhp@health.slu.edu
Yes. Premium charges related to spouse or dependent(s) coverage are the graduate assistant’s responsibility. Spouse or dependent(s) coverage will be billed on the graduate assistant’s SLU student account. Graduate assistant spouse or dependent(s) coverage will not be supported by one’s appointment/department.
You can add dependents when you enroll through the Aetna Student Health website during an open enrollment period. If you have a qualifying life event (QLE) (e.g., marriage, birth, loss of other coverage), contact the SLU Student Health Insurance (UHP) office to have your dependents added. Charges for the additional coverage will be prorated to the date of the QLE.
You must contact the SLU Student Health Insurance (UHP) office within 31 days of the QLE date and will need documentation that supports the event (birth or marriage certificates, letter of live birth, loss of coverage letter).
You can make changes to your enrollment during the open enrollment period, or when you experience a qualifying life event (QLE). Marriage, birth, or loss of other coverage are considered qualifying life events. Proof of qualifying life event must be submitted within 31 days of the QLE date.
All premiums for SLU Student Health Insurance (UHP) coverage will be billed on your SLU student account. The paid health insurance awarded with your assistantship will be applied as credit against SLU Student Health Insurance (UHP) charges on your SLU student account.
Premium charges for coverage that exceeds paid health insurance support is the graduate assistant’s responsibility and will be billed on your SLU student account.
You will receive a card within about two weeks of enrolling in the plan. You may also print a card online at the Print Your Aetna Medical ID Card page or you can call Aetna Customer Service 877-381-3544 to request a new card.
Yes. As long as you are a registered student, you may continue coverage under the plan. Your assistantship will cover the portion indicated in your appointment contract. Any premium beyond your award will be owed by you.
Once you graduate and are no longer a registered student, you may be eligible for three-month Student Continuation Coverage. Contact the SLU Student Health Insurance (UHP) office at 314-977-5666 for additional details. Please note that one must elect Student Continuation Coverage within 60 days of loss of coverage as a student or graduate assistant.