Saint Louis University Graduate Assistants are eligible to participate in the SLU Student Health Insurance (UHP) plan administered with support from 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 (or waive) the Student Health Insurance (UHP) plan through the Aetna Student Health website.
Please see below for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) by Graduate Assistants:
Q. When can I enroll in the coverage?
A. Open enrollment periods are:
Fall: July 1 through Sept. 30
Spring: Dec. 1 through Feb. 14
Summer: May 1 through June 30
The Aetna Student Health website may be opened in advance of these dates.
Q. My graduate assistantship provides health insurance support but I don’t see an enrollment/plan option on the Aetna Student Health website that matches the dates of my paid health insurance. What should I do?
A. Please contact the Student Health Insurance (UHP) office. The office will work with you to make sure appropriate dates are presented on the Aetna Student Health website. Contact the office at 314-977-5666 or uhp@health.slu.edu
Q. How do I enroll if I have paid health insurance support starting July 1 or August 1?
A. The Aetna Student Health website should present start dates that correspond to your paid health insurance dates. Please contact the Student Health Insurance (UHP) office if the dates on the Aetna Student Health website do not match the dates of paid health insurance presented in your appointment letter. Contact the Student Health Insurance (UHP) main office at 314-977-5666 or uhp@health.slu.edu
Q. Can I enroll my spouse and dependent(s) in the Student Health Insurance (UHP) if I am covered by an assistantship?
A. 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.
Q. How do I add dependents?
A. 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 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 Student Health Insurance (UHP) office within 31 days of the QLE date and will need documentation that supports the event (birth or marriage certificates).
Q. Can I make changes to my enrollment once I choose an option?
A. 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.
Q. How will my coverage be billed?
A. All premiums for 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 Student Health Insurance (UHP) charges on your student account.
Q. What happens if I elect coverage that exceeds the paid health insurance provided by my assistantship?
A. 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.
Q. What happens if I don’t receive an identification card? Will I get a new one every year?
A. You will receive a card within about two weeks of enrolling in the plan. You may also print a card online at: Print Your Aetna Medical ID Card or you can call Aetna Customer Service (877) 381-3544 to request a new card.
Q. Can I stay on UHP after my assistantship ends?
A. 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.
Q. Can I continue coverage after I graduate?
A. Once you graduate and are no longer a registered student, you may be eligible for 3-month Student Continuation Coverage. Contact the 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.