FAQs About Your Bill

Questions about your UHS bill? These FAQs can help. For more information, call the Patient Accounts office, (413) 577-5256.

I provided my insurance information when I waived the SHBP. Why did I get a bill?

The information you submitted allowed the Bursar’s Office to remove SHBP charges from your tuition bill; it didn't authorize UHS to bill your insurance plan. Always bring your current insurance card with you when using UHS, so we can submit charges to your insurance company.
 

I’m a student athlete and gave my insurance information to the Athletic Department. Why did I get a bill?

Information provided to other campus departments doesn’t authorize UHS to bill your insurance company; you must give us the information, too.
 

I verified my full-time student status with my parents’ insurance plan so I could be covered. Why did I get a bill?

Insurance companies usually update student status on a semester basis. Sometimes charges are submitted to insurance before the company has updated your status. When this happens, we resubmit the bills; call us to discuss your situation.
 

I paid the Graduate Student Health Fee. Why did I get a bill?

UHS charges are billed to your primary insurance first – whether you have the SHBP or another major medical plan. Your coverage depends on your plan.

The Graduate Student Health Fee is not insurance. It works together with primary insurance plans, entitling you to be seen at UHS and absorbing copays and co-insurance assessed by your primary health insurance. Patients are responsible for insurance plan deductibles. If you have questions about costs for a particular service, call Patient Accounts, (413) 577-5256.
 

What insurance companies does UHS contract with?

UHS works with many major medical carriers, and contracts change frequently. For the latest information, call Patient Accounts, (413) 577-5256.
 

UHS is contracted with my health insurer. Why did I get a bill?

UHS may be contracted with your health insurance carrier, but not within your network.  Most health insurance plans provide coverage if you see a provider in the network area where you live. Some have an out-of-network benefit, which covers you if you’re seen outside your network area. Plans may require you to get a referral to be seen out of your network area; others may have “away from home” provisions that will cover you when you're at school.  

Your out-of-network benefit may charge a deductible, which you're responsible for paying. You’re responsible for knowing your plan’s coverage. Call your insurance company to discuss your coverage and out-of-network expenses.