Cardinal Care Frequently Asked Questions
Following are answers to some of the more common queries we receive. If you don’t see yours addressed, please contact Vaden’s Insurance and Referral Office directly.
Cardinal Care FAQ
I have my own private insurance plan. Will Vaden Health Center bill my private insurance for primary medical care visits?
Primary care visits, along with many of the services offered at Vaden, are covered under the Campus Health Service Fee and insurance is not needed to access them.
Vaden Health Center does not perform any billing to private insurance carriers (other than to the Cardinal Care plan). Students who have private insurance, and who choose to have an insurance-covered service at Vaden, will be asked to pay up front and can request a receipt from Vaden to seek reimbursement from their insurance company.
Specialists who offer appointments on site at Vaden (such as the Optometrist and Dermatologist) WILL bill private insurance. Walgreens at Vaden and MORE Physical Therapy will also bill insurance directly.
I intend to keep Cardinal Care coverage and know I will be traveling away from campus over the year. If I am out of the area and need care, what do I do?
Under Tier 2 of the plan, students can go to any Aetna Student Health participating network provider. To find an Aetna contracted provider in a given area, visit the Aetna website or call Aetna Student Health Customer Service at 888.834.4708. Students can also go to any Sutter Health provider in California to access Tier 1 benefits.
Students who are traveling abroad can request assistance from On Call International to find a provider. On Call International can be reached at 1.866.525.1956 (toll free) or at 00.1.603.328.1956.
What if I need health insurance coverage before September 1?
The university offers one month of Early Start coverage in Cardinal Care for new students who are required to arrive on campus in August for official university business. Early Start is only available to students who will remain enrolled in Cardinal Care coverage for the entire upcoming academic year. If you believe you qualify, please contact the Vaden Health Center Insurance and Referral Office for additional information. Strict application deadline applies.
Does Cardinal Care include vision benefits?
Cardinal Care covers one regular annual eye examination. Cardinal Care enrollees can schedule this exam directly with an Aetna participating network provider and pay a $25 copay.
Aetna offers a vision insurance plan that is OUTSIDE of the Cardinal Care package of benefits. Students who wish to explore expanded vision coverage can go to the Aetna website to review benefits, and learn about cost and enrollment information. This offering is managed by Aetna directly.
- Enroll the 1st to the 20th day of the month: plan is effective the 1st of the next month
- On or after the 21st of the month: plan is effective the 1st of the following month
How can I get a proof of insurance letter?
Students enrolled in Cardinal Care go to the insurance company with these requests. Students can call Aetna at 1.888.834.4708. Once a student registers their account in the Aetna system, their proof of insurance letter will be uploaded there. Aetna can also physically mail the proof of insurance letter to a student, even if they are abroad. When a student calls Aetna, if their request is urgent they can specify this and Aetna will do their best to expedite the request.
