Students away benefit

Peace of mind for students away at school

HAP understands the importance of ensuring that your children receive the necessary healthcare while they are away at school. Through HAP’s HMO and EPO plans, our Students Away benefit provides comprehensive coverage* for full-time students aged 17 through 25 (or as described in member documents) who are covered under a parent's HAP plan and who do not have coverage while living out of the HMO or EPO service areas.  This benefit ensures that students can access urgent, emergency, and certain non-emergency medical services while studying away from home.

Key highlights of the students away benefit:

• Emergency and urgent care:

  • Students insured under HMO, PPO and EPO group member plans are always covered for urgent or emergency care, including mental health services, without the need for prior authorization.
  • In case of an emergency, students should go directly to the nearest hospital or urgent care center or call 911.
  • Services through the school student health center do require prior authorization.

• Non-emergency services (requires prior authorization):

  • Coverage includes routine allergy injections, flu shots, CDC recommended immunizations, required maintenance visits for chronic conditions (e.g., asthma), office visits for birth control prescriptions, and prescription drugs according to the health plan.
    • Non-routine vaccines of TB testing administered for the sole purpose of travel or school program requirements are not covered by HAP.
  • Short-term physical therapy for rehabilitation, outpatient imaging, lab tests, and durable medical equipment (if included in the specific health plan) are also covered with an approved authorization.
  • How to utilize the students away benefit:
    • Prior authorization is required for non-emergency services. Students should contact a HAP Students Away coordinator by calling (248) 557-6271 (TTY: 711) or emailing StudentAway@hap.org.
    • For behavioral health concerns, such as depression or anxiety, students can call (800) 444-5755.

• Telehealth services:

  • Students can access 24/7 telehealth services through the HAP Telehealth mobile app, powered by Amwell®, for non-emergency illnesses such as colds, flu, headaches, rashes, sinus infections, and pink eye.

How to utilize the telehealth benefit:

• Download the HAP Telehealth app from the Apple or Google Play store and sign up using your HAP ID card.
• Access live, online visits with licensed and board-certified doctors anytime, anywhere. Visit hap.org/telehealth for more information.

Services students should get at home:

• Routine services such as complete physical examinations, elective surgeries, eye examinations, OB-GYN services for pregnancy, long-term physical or occupational therapy, and treatment for complex or chronic medical conditions should be scheduled during holidays, summer breaks, or other times when the student is home.

Coverage for PPO group members**

• Students ages 17 to 25 and enrolled on a parent’s HAP PPO plan will be covered for non-emergency care outside of HAP’s network through the Aetna national PPO network at the in-network benefit level. To view providers, visit: aetna.com/asa.

Employer information:

• Providing information to employees:

  • Employers should inform their employees about the Students Away benefit and how it ensures that their children receive optimal care while away at school.
  • Employers can include details about the benefit in their health plan summaries and provide contact information for HAP Students Away coordinators.

• Plan details:

  • Employers should encourage employees to review their Summary of Benefits or Benefit Administration Manual documents located in the Member Portal to understand the specific coverage details and any requirements for prior authorization.
  • Some colleges or universities require a waiver letter for a student to opt out or waive coverage under their school’s student insurance plan. Your school may allow you to waive their coverage if you provide details about what is covered by your health plan. If you require a waiver letter, please call the Customer Service number on the back of your ID card.

** Students Away at School coverage doesn’t cover dependent children who live with a custodial parent outside of our service area.