Keeping our members covered with access to medical care is a priority. This includes dependents, especially those who may be starting the next step in their educational journey by moving away for college. The distance may be a challenge, both logistically and emotionally, particularly if a medical concern arises away from home. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you prepare to send your kids to college, so they are in the best position possible from a healthcare and health coverage perspective.
Notify your health plan or insurance company
Simply let PHP (or your health insurance carrier) know where your child will be living to avoid any issues with their health coverage. For PHP members, this is easily done by completing this short form. Then your student is all set!
Don’t forget preventive services
Preventive services are important for maintaining good health, so please make sure to not skip them while your child is away. They can still access quality healthcare facilities for the following services:
- Annual Wellness Exams
- OB/GYN Care
- Dental Exams
- Vision Care
- Flu Shots
- COVID-19 Vaccine
Educate students on the cost of care
Where you receive care impacts the speed and cost of services. Make sure your child has a basic understanding of this, so they’re prepared and can make good choices when they need medical care. Check out this helpful page on where to go for care and how each may vary in cost and speed of services. For example, emergency rooms are higher-cost locations for care. If symptoms are less severe, treatment via telehealth or an urgent care facility may be a less-expensive, quicker option.
Download our app
Have your child download our free PHP Go! Mobile App to give easy and quick access to their health insurance card, health plan details, and more! That way, all the info they need won’t be forgotten or lost, and easily available in the palm of their hand! It’s available in the Google Play Store and the Apple Store.
Give us a call or chat online
If they have any questions about their health plan while they are away, encourage them to give us a call or chat with us online using our online chat feature in their member account. If they haven’t set up a member account yet, do it today! It’s free and easy to get started. All that’s needed is an email address and their member ID number found on their insurance ID card.
While this is a big step in the next phase of their life, take a breath and comfort in knowing that they’ve been armed with the tools available to stay healthy and become smart healthcare consumers.
