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Health Fee and Insurance

Student Health Fee

Registered students pay a refundable $53 fee with their tuition to keep convenient health services on campus. 

There is sometimes confusion concerning the Health Fee at Ferris State University. Here are some explanatory notes which may assist you:

  • Every University health center has a fee as part of tuition.  At Ferris State University this fee is not mandatory and can be refunded within the first five days of the semester.
  • The Health Fee of $53.00 per semester (approved by the Board of Trustees) is charged to students taking classes at the Big Rapids campus to assist in keeping a student health center on campus.
  • It is usually not wise to ask for the fee back unless:
    (a) you are planning not to get sick, or
    (b) you have a local physician.
  • The Health Fee is not insurance. It could be compared to any other fee on campus. The Health Fee cannot be billed to your insurance.
  • The student who gets the fee refunded is very welcome to still use the Health Center; however, they will have to pay the $53.00 health center fee and a $25 administrative charge.
  • Spouses and children (age two or older) of FSU students are also eligible to utilize the Health Center by paying a reduced Health fee. 
  • A student never has to have cash on hand to see a provider, there are several payment options available.

We appreciate the opportunity to provide medical care to students while they are here at Ferris State University.

Insurance

As a professional courtesy, the Birkam Health Center bills your insurance for medical services rendered.  Please have your insurance card at the time of service in order for the Health Center to bill the insurance directly. The student is still responsible for all co-pays and charges for services not covered by their insurance.

Please find out the following information about your health insurance before you arrive on campus (This is also a great method for students to learn more about your own insurance):

  • What is your insurance company and do you have your card or a copy?
  • Are you covered by more than one policy?
  • Which policy is primary and which is secondary?
  • The subscriber name and birth date.
  • What does your policy cover? (Example - office visits, lab, x-ray, pharmaceuticals, etc.)
  • What is your deductible and co-pay?

We now participate with Blue Shield, MESSA, Priority Health, Priority Health Medicaid, straight Medicaid, Aetna/Cofinity and we will process the billing for these insurances. X-rays, laboratory tests, EKG's are performed by Corewell Health, and these services are billed to your insurance company by the hospital. An insurance card, or a copy of the card, will need to be presented at the time of your visit.

  • Medical Records and Prescriptions
    It is helpful if you have a record of your prescriptions including doses and reason for medication. In addition, for students with chronic or serious medical problems, a summary should be sent to the Birkam Health Center.
  • Health Insurance
    We have noted elsewhere the insurances which we accept for direct payment, although you are encouraged to submit your Birkam Health Center receipt to your insurance company for reimbursement if we do not bill your company directly.
  • Please bring a copy of the front and back of your insurance card when you come in for service.
  • First Aid Supplies
    While your hall director has a small first aid kit, you may want to bring the following items for your own needs: band aids, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, cold medications, digital thermometer, and chemical cold pack.

Payment Options

If you do not have insurance, there are several convenient payment options:

 

The University prohibits seeking compensation from the recipient of any medical procedure, treatment, or care provided by a medical professional who has been convicted of a felony arising out of the medical procedure, treatment or care.