| Q: WHOM DO I CONTACT IN CASE OF INJURY OR ILLNESS? |
| A: When medical assistance is required, it is the student-athlete's responsibility to work with and contact our sports medicine staff. All medical treatment must receive PRIOR APPROVAL from our department's sports medicine staff. See the information guide for details regarding the athletic trainer for your sport. |
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| Q: WHAT IF I BECOME INJURED OR ILL OUTSIDE OF AN ATHLETIC COMPETITION OR SUPERVISED PRACTICE? |
| A: Illness and non-athletic injuries sustained outside of supervised conditioning/training sessions, practice or scheduled competitions ARE NOT the financial responsibility of the Washington University Athletic Department. You should, however, always communicate any injury or illness to your athletic trainer. The sports medicine staff has final approval on all injury of illness medical bills. Services for non-athletic injuries should be directed to Washington University Health Services. |
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| Q: IF I DO RECEIVE A MEDICAL BILL IN THE MAIL, WHAT DO I DO WITH IT? |
| A: If you receive a medical bill in the mail, you should ALWAYS forward it to your athletic trainer or the insurance coordinator. It is up to your athletic trainer to decide whether the bill is the responsibility of the Athletic Department or your personal responsibility. |
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| Q: WHY IS THE HEALTH INSURANCE INFORMATION FORM NECESSARY? |
| A: This form is necessary in order for the medical facilities and physicians we work with to file accurate and speedy medical claims with your primary health insurance providers. |
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| Q: WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON'T HAVE A PERSONAL MEDICAL INSURANCE POLICY? |
| A: If you do not have any medical insurance, we strongly suggest you get at least a basic health insurance policy for emergency situations. If you generate athletic-related medical bills, the Athletic Department then pays the full bill. If you generate non-athletic related medical charges, you are responsible for paying the entire bill. All full time students have medical insurance benefits through Washington University Health Services, which require pre-authorization prior to obtaining services. Athletic injuries are exempt from the student policy benefits. |
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| Q: CAN I PRACTICE IF A FORM IS NOT COMPLETED AND TURNED IN? |
| A: No student-athlete can officially start workouts nor draw equipment from his/her sport without a completed Health Insurance Information form on file in the Athletic Insurance Office. |
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| Q: WHAT IS A PRIMARY HEALTH INSURANCE POLICY? |
| A: Your primary health insurance coverage is provided through your parents' private health insurance policy or your own personal health insurance policy. All medical claims must be filed through your primary health insurance provider before the Department's policy can take effect. |
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| Q: WHAT IS A SECONDARY INSURER? |
| A: All athletic-related bills, not covered by your primary health insurance policy, are covered under the Department's health insurance policy; which is secondary to your primary policy. This includes claims that are rejected or applied to your health insurance policy's deductible. It also includes claims that are only partially paid. However, a copy of the Explanations of Benefits you receive from your primary health insurance provider must be forwarded immediately to the Athletic Department Insurance Coordinator. |
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| Q: WHAT IS AN EXPLANATION OF BENFITS (EOB)? |
| A: An Explanation of Benefits is the form sent to you or to the medical provider explaining exactly what your primary health insurance provider will or will not cover. It gives you information such as the date of service, the medical providers name, the medical facility's name, the amount of the bill, whether the bill was paid, the amount of the payment, whether it was applied to the deductible or rejected and the reason for rejection. Most out of state health insurance providers will send the explanation of benefits directly to the policyholder. |
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| Q: WHY IS IT NECESSARY TO FORWARD THE EXPLANATION OF BENEFITS TO THE ATHLETIC INSURANCE COORDINATOR? |
| A: Without a copy of the explanation of benefits, the Athletic Department cannot make payment on any medical bills or claims, in order to comply with NCAA and Washington University accounting guidelines. This form verifies that the bill was filed with your primary health insurance provider, and that action was taken on their behalf and provides the Department with the action taken. |
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| Q: WHAT DO I DO IF THE INSURANCE COMPANY SENDS THE PAYMENT TO ME OR MY PARENTS? |
| A: The amount paid to you by your primary health insurance provider should be sent to the Athletic Insurance Coordinator or to the medical provider. The payment amount represents the portion of the bill that is your responsibility. If the bill is for an athletic related injury or illness, the Athletic Department will pay the remaining balance. |
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| Q: WHOM DO I CONTACT WITH INSURANCE CHANGES AND QUESTIONS? |
| A: The Athletic Insurance Coordinator should be notified immediately with any health insurance changes. The athletic trainer for your team can answer any insurance related questions. |
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| Other Questions? |
| training@athletics.wustl.edu |
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