HEALTH INSURANCE IS REQUIRED FOR FULL TIME STUDENTS

As a full-time college student, you will be signed up for health insurance through CDPHP and charged for it on your bill.

However, if you already have another health insurance plan (for instance, through your parent's plan), it's very important to complete a waiver before July 30th to prevent any problems with your coverage and ensure that your other plan is not affected.

IMPORTANT DATES

July 30 - complete the waiver to prevent enrollment in student health insurance plan and get 100% refund of the insurance fee.

September 20th - complete the waiver for a full refund of the insurance fee and their cancellation of enrollment will be processed retroactively.

The Waiver

Waive health coverage if you have existing comparable coverage that is accepted in Albany, NY. 

Deadline for a full refund of the fee is September 20.

Directions to WAIVE THE COVERAGE: 

Students wanting to WAIVE the College's health insurance plan need to:

  • log into Banner Self Service
  •  click on "Personal Information"
  • click "My Housing Portal"  (this is for all students, including commuters.)
  • click on "Applications"
  • select complete the " Student Health Insurance Waiver" application

Why Insurance Coverage

As a college student, you know the importance of having access to the health care you need – when and where you need it.  Siena College also recognizes the importance of a student’s ability to pay for medical expenses when they arise, so that the educational opportunity is not jeopardized.  

Accordingly, per Siena College policy, all full-time students must have health insurance coverage for routine and non-emergency care in the Albany, NY, area. 

To ensure compliance with this policy
  • All full-time students are automatically enrolled and billed via their Siena student account.
  • July 30th is the deadline to prevent enrollment in student health insurance plan and get 100% refund of the insurance fee.
  • Students must complete an on-line waiver verifying alternative health insurance coverage to cancel their enrollment if they have other existing insurance that covers them in the Capital Region.
    • Complete the waiver via their banner self service account
    • Must be completed  each academic year by the posted deadline to opt out of the plan .
  • Once a waiver is completed and approved, the coverage will be cancelled and a refund of the fee will be posted on the student's account.
  • September 20 is the deadline to submit the waiver for a full cancellation and refund of the insurance fee for the academic year. 
  • Waivers submitted or requests to cancel received after the deadline are subject to a pro-rated cancellation and refund.

International Students

All international students attending Siena College full time are required to be enrolled in the student health insurance plan with CDPHP in order to ensure adequate local coverage.

If an international student believes they have a comparable domestic US health insurance plan  they may request a review for an exemption from the requirement to purchase the CDPHP Siena plan by contacting the Student Life Compliance Officer, Jeanne Obermayer

International students may not waive the insurance plan. Exemptions are done on a case by case basis by the Student Life Compliance Officer. 

The decision of the Student Life Compliance Officer is final.

2023-24  ACADEMIC YEAR cost

Siena College has contracted again with the Capital District Physicians' Health Plan (CDPHP) to provide the Student Health Insurance Plan for the 2023-2024 academic year. 

Coverage dates will begin August 15, 2023 and carry through August 14, 2024. 

The cost for year is $1,996.44 and is billed in two installments of $998.22 (one on the first tuition bill of each semester.)

CDPHP

The Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan (CDPHP) offers reliable, affordable health coverage that can be trusted and is the carrier of choice for local colleges. CDPHP is a local insurer and is accepted by most local providers as well as many providers nationally. The Siena Student Health Insurance Plan with CDPHP is a PPO and provides health insurance coverage for inpatient care, outpatient services, prescription medicine, $0.00 cost mental health care, as well as catastrophic illness and injury. 

In addition, CDPHP is more than an insurance plan; it’s a health plan. That’s why they offer our student members access to a variety of value-added extras that enable subscribers to take control of their health by providing personalized support, money saving programs and easy-to-use digital tools. Some of these Student Health Solutions include up to $200 reimbursement for participation in fitness activities; Doctor-On-Demand which is live, video doctor visits via smartphone or tablet;  CafeWell Participation/Life Points where students can earn up to $365 Life Points each year for simple healthy activities; up to $100 reimbursement available for participation in a weight loss program; access a 24-hour crisis hotline to speak with a live, licensed mental health professional who can connect you to the right resources; Rx for Less which provides deep discounts on specified generic drugs  as well as well as access to other fitness tools. 

For details, visit www.cdphp.com/StudentPlans.

For more information on our Siena specific plan and how to use it, please visit our FAQ page.

Jeanne Obermayer

Student Life Compliance Officer

302 Sarazen Student Union