Stony Brook University, University Hospital, and Aetna
Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) - Letter from Peter Baigent

January 15, 2010

Dear Students,

I am writing to provide information related to possible future changes that may affect Stony Brook University Hospital (SBUH) services that are currently covered under your Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), as purchased through the University and provided by Aetna Health, Inc. (Aetna). Aetna and SBUH are currently negotiating a new contract. The current contract is in effect through February 15, 2010, while negotiations continue.

For that reason, you soon may receive a letter from Aetna stating that SBUH may no longer be a "preferred care provider" in the Aetna network effective February 15. Insurers are required by state law to send such letters in advance anytime there may be a change in their health insurance plan. To help prevent any potential misunderstandings, we are providing you with additional background information.

First, let me tell you what will NOT change if the contract is not continued:

• Medical Services at the Student Health Service will remain the same.
  
• You will still be covered for physician office visits.
  
• Prescription drug coverage will remain the same.
  
• There will still be coverage for Emergency Department care at SBUH, although the amount that insurance pays would probably be reduced.

What will change if the contract is not continued is your coverage for Hospital inpatient and Hospital outpatient care. If the contract does not continue and you need Hospital care on an inpatient or outpatient basis, you would be responsible for at least half of the costs of your care at Stony Brook University Hospital. Please know that you can prevent this additional cost by receiving care at another nearby hospital that does have a contract with Aetna.

SBUH offered to continue accepting the present rates for our students, even in the event the full contract is terminated. Aetna declined this compromise. However, we remain optimistic that the contract will be renewed and there will be no changes to your coverage. But we have a responsibility to keep you fully informed about any possible changes.

If you have specific questions or would like additional information, please check the SHIP page
on the University Web site (http://studentaffairs.stonybrook.edu/shs/insurance.shtml) or call the
hotline between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. weekdays at (631) 444-4392.

Sincerely,

Peter M. Baigent EdD
Vice President for Student Affairs

 

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