Cardinal Care - Stanford University's student health plan

• On this page:
  • Cardinal Care Benefits
  • Medical Benefits - Coverage Options
  • Mental Health Benefits

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 The Chickering Group, an Aetna Company (for medical benefits) and ValueOptions (for mental health benefits).

For a brief review of Cardinal Care benefits, refer to the Summary of Benefits (PDF Format).

Medical Benefits  - Coverage Options

When seeking medical care, Cardinal Care allows you to choose where to get your health care. You may choose one of three options. Your costs, in the form of co-payments and deductibles, will vary considerably depending upon the option you select. Choices include the following:

1. On-campus care, receiving treatment from a Vaden Health Center clinician as your primary care provider with Stanford University Medical Center providing specialty services by authorized referral
   
   Every registered Stanford University student can use Vaden Health Center free of charge for most primary health care services. However, some services — such as physical therapy and allergy shots — require a fee. With Cardinal Care, 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.) For specialty services, Vaden may refer you to the Stanford University Medical Center, in which case you still pay only a $10 co-payment.
   
   
2. On- and off-campus care, receiving treatment from any Aetna Open Choice PPO network clinician, preferred doctor or hospital, in California and nationally (including Stanford University Medical Center)
   
   Cardinal Care pays 80 percent of your eligible expenses after you pay the $200 annual deductible. (A deductible is the amount you pay each year before Cardinal Care begins reimbursing services.)
   
   If you choose not to get a referral from Vaden Health Center, you can self-refer to a health care provider within the Aetna network or Stanford University Medical Center. In that case, Cardinal Care will pick up 80 percent of your eligible expenses after you pay the annual deductible.
   Students should follow the directions on their individualized ID card when accessing health care off campus.
   
   
3. Off-campus care, receiving treatment from medical providers not affiliated with the Aetna Open Choice PPO network
   
   You pay a larger portion of the bill with this option. Cardinal Care pays 60 percent 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 (The Chickering Group).

For a more detailed review of the Medical Plan, go to www.chickering.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.

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

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