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Student Health & Dental Benefits Plan
NSCC students, both full time as well as those ALP students taking 3 or more units, will be enrolled in an NSCC Student Health and Dental Plan that provides extended medical and dental benefits. Below is information for our full time students.
Adult Learning Program Students
Learn about the specific health and dental plan for Adult Learning Program students.
Is this plan the same as my Nova Scotia health insurance plan?
No. Your existing health insurance plan (MSI) covers expenses connected with visiting the doctor or hospital. The NSCC student health and dental plan covers many important medical, drug and dental services that are not covered by MSI. A listing of the health and dental benefits included in the plans is found below.
Is the plan compulsory?
Yes. All students registered in full time programs of 20 weeks or longer in length will be charged the health and dental plan fee.
How much does the plan cost and how do I pay the fee?
The plan costs $226 for 12 months of health and dental coverage. The fees for the health and dental benefits plan will be charged to your student account automatically by NSCC unless you have submitted an opt out waiver prior to the deadline.
What if I want to add my family to the plan?
You may purchase family coverage for your spouse/partner and/or dependants (coverage does not include dependent parents). This family coverage is completely optional. There will be an additional fee to purchase coverage for your family (on top of the $226 health and dental fee).
What does family coverage cost?
The family rate varies depending on the type of coverage you need. For example, one student may add a spouse on the dental plan, while another student may add a spouse and three children onto both the health and dental plans. It is best to contact the Student Benefits Plan office to talk about your options. The address and phone numbers for the Student Benefits Plan office are found below.
How do I add my family to the plan?
To add your family to the Health and Dental Benefits Plan, you must complete a Family Add-on application. Application forms are available at the Student Benefits Plan office, at the Campus Information stations or by downloading them from our health and dental plan website at www.gallivan.ca. All Family Add-on applications must be received within 30 days of the start date of your program. Please note: your family can only be covered while you are a student on the plan.
When would coverage begin and end?
Coverage begins on the first day of the month your classes start and runs for 12 months. For example, if your program begins on September 2nd, your coverage will run from September 1 to August 31 of the following year. If your program begins on November 3rd, your coverage will run from November 1 to October 31 of the following year.
What if I have other health/dental coverage?
If you already have comparable extended health and/or dental coverage, you may apply to waive or "opt out" of the Student Health and Dental Benefits Plan. To waive your NSCC health and dental plan, you can:
- submit the form online at www.gallivan.ca - choose 1 Time Opt Out feature on the NSCC page
- call or come into the Student Benefits Plan office to receive a waiver form
On your opt-out waiver, you must provide confirmation that you have alternate coverage. All waivers and documentation must be submitted within 30 days of the start of your program. No exceptions or extensions will be made after the deadline. Please note: all students sponsored by the Dept. of Community Services are automatically opted out of the plan and do not need to provide a waiver form.
Do I have to complete an opt-out waiver every year?
No. Once your waiver has been accepted, it will remain in effect as long as you are an eligible student. If you lose the coverage you used to waive the plan, you can opt back into the Student Health and Dental Benefits Plan within 30 days. You must provide confirmation of loss of coverage when you apply.
How do I use the plan?
For new full time students, it will take about 45 days from the start of your program before your name is active with the insurance company. During this time, you are still able to access the health and dental plan benefits. You will, however, have to pay for any services and submit a paper claim to receive reimbursement from the insurance company after the 45 day enrollment period. Once the insurer has your name on file, you can use your NSCC Care Card for prescriptions and your dentist can submit claims on your behalf. For students who were on the plan last year, there is no interruption in your coverage.
What is covered under the health and dental benefits plan?
For a detailed account of the benefits offered under the NSCC Student Health & Dental Benefits plan, visit the Health & Dental website at www.gallivan.ca. A general overview of the coverage provided is as follows:
Health Plan Schedule of Benefits
| Benefit | Reimbursement | Max. Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Drug* - based on formulary | 70% | $3,000 per benefit year |
| Supplemental Health Care | ||
| Chiropractor - including one x-ray | 80% | $20/visit to $300 max. per benefit year |
| Massage Therapy* - prescription required | 80% | $20/visit to $300 max. per benefit year |
| Naturopath | 80% | $20/visit to $300 max. per benefit year |
| Osteopath - including one x-ray | 80% | $20/visit to $300 max. per benefit year |
| Physiotherapy* - prescription required | 80% | $20/visit to $300 max. per benefit year |
| Psychology/Social Worker - prescription required | 80% | $20/visit to $300 max. per benefit year |
| Speech Pathology* - prescription required | 80% | $20/visit to $300 max. per benefit year |
| Ambulance | 80% | $250 per incident |
| Tutorial (after 15 days confinement due to injury or illness) | 80% | $15/hr to $2,000 max. per benefit year |
| Medical Equipment*^ (wheelchairs, hospital-type beds, etc) | 80% | Reimbursed at 80%. Wheelchair repairs limited to lifetime maximum of $250 |
| Trusses, Crutches, Splints and Braces*^ | 80% | Braces not solely for athletic use. Prescription and pre-authorization required. |
| Artificial Limbs and Prosthetics*^ | 80% | Reimbursed at 80%. Prescription and pre-authorization required. |
| Orthopaedic Shoes* | 80% | $150 per benefit year. Provided they are not solely for athletic use |
| Dental Accident ^ | 80% | Services must be performed within 12 months of accident; Max. $1,000 per occurrence. |
*Services require physician's prescription
^Pre-authorization required
Note: Reasonable and customary charges apply as determined by the insurance carrier. In the event of a discrepancy between the information herein and our contract with the insurer, the terms of the contract apply.
Dental Plan Schedule of Benefits
| Benefit | Reimbursement | Max. Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Maximum | $750 per benefit year | |
| Diagnostic & Preventive (annual exam) | 70% | includes diagnosis, one unit of polishing, Two units of sealing and medically necessary x-rays once per benefit year. |
| Minor restorative (fillings, child space maintainers) | 60% | |
| Extractions | 50% | not more than 2 wisdom teeth per benefit year. |
| Periodontal, Endodontic & Other Oral Surgery | 20% | excluding additional scaling |
Note: Reasonable and customary charges apply as determined by the insurance carrier. In the event of a discrepancy between the information herein and our contract with the insurer, the terms of the contract apply.
PLEASE NOTE: Vision care is not a benefit of this plan.
More detailed information on the NSCC Student Health and Dental Plan can be obtained by visiting the Health & Dental Benefits Plan website at www.gallivan.ca and choosing NSCC from the drop down menu!
What is the Student Benefits Plan Office?
The Student Benefits Plan Office has been set up to help you with any questions you have about the Student Health and Dental Benefits Plan. Office staff can provide you with necessary forms and explain the benefits in more detail -- how to opt out, how to add family members and how to submit claims. The office is located at:
Room B 254, Institute of Technology Campus,
5685 Leeds Street, Halifax
Telephone: 491-1624 (Metro) or 1-866-491-1624 (toll-free for out of Metro).
Once you have started your program, you can also visit your campus Information Station for information and assistance.
Important to Note
- Students starting programs in September 2009: Your opt-out waiver or family opt-in form deadline is Friday, September 30th, 2009. Your health and dental plan fee is due Friday, August 7th, 2009. Your coverage begins on September 1, 2009.
- Students starting programs after September 2009: Your health and dental plan fee must be paid or opt-out waiver form submitted 30 days from your program start date. Your family opt-in form deadline is 30 days from your program start date. Your coverage begins the first day of the month in which your program starts.
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