Cardinal Care - Stanford University's student health plan
Cardinal Care Benefits
Cardinal Care is a comprehensive health plan specifically designed for Stanford students. Coverage is worldwide. It includes medical, surgical, mental health care, hospitalization, emergency care and pharmaceuticals. Cardinal Care is administered and insured by Aetna Student Health (for medical benefits) and ValueOptions (for mental health benefits).
For a brief review of Cardinal Care benefits, refer to the Cardinal Care Brochure 2009 - 2010 (PDF)
Medical Benefits - Coverage Options
When seeking medical care, Cardinal Care allows you to choose where to get your health care. The level of reimbursement depends on where you receive treatment. Choose from one of the 3 options:
- Tier 1: Stanford University Medical Center or Menlo Medical Clinic
When you receive treatment from Stanford University Medical Center or Menlo Medical Clinic with a referral from your Vaden Health Center clinician, you pay only a $10 co-payment and Cardinal Care covers the balance. (A co-payment is the fee you pay each time you receive a service.)
- Tier 2: Any Aetna Preferred Provider (including Stanford University Medical Center or Menlo Medical Clinic)
When you receive treatment from any Aetna preferred provider (Aetna Open Choice PPO), Cardinal Care pays 80% of your eligible expenses after you pay a $200 annual deductible. (A deductible is the amount you pay each year before Cardinal Care begins reimbursing services.) This tier allows you to use Stanford University Medical Center or Menlo Medical Clinic without a referral from your Vaden Health Center clinician.
Students should follow the directions on their individualized ID card when accessing health care off campus.
- Tier 3: Non-Aetna Preferred Provider
When you receive treatment from a provider who is not affiliated with the Aetna Open Choice PPO, Cardinal Care pays 60% of your eligible expenses after you pay a $300 annual deductible.
Students should follow the directions on their individualized ID card when accessing health care off campus.
For more information on medical benefits, call (877) 626-2319 (Aetna Student Health).
For a more detailed review of the Medical Plan, go to www.aetnastudenthealth.com and choose the “Find Your school” link under Student Connection. Enter the Stanford Policy Number of 812846, then look for Policy Information and find the Detailed Plan Description.
Mental Health Benefits
Mental health care is provided through ValueOptions, which has a local and national network of mental health clinicians. The greatest benefits (and lowest costs to students) occur when you get care at Vaden Health Center - Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).
Students should follow the directions on their individualized ID card when accessing health care off campus. Forms for reimbursment can be found online here.
For more information on mental health benefits, refer to the Evidence of Coverage (PDF format), or call (800) 667-7374 (ValueOptions).
Cardinal Care Information
- Medical and mental health benefits
- Enrollment
- Cost and coverage dates
- For undergraduate parents
- Graduate student subsidy
- How to waive Cardinal Care and deadline to waive