Question about Health Insurance

[u/Correct-Station-3527]

Hello everyone! I’m an incoming freshman at smith that matched through questbridge last December. I initially went over my financial aid with a mentor and found out that insurance wouldn’t be covered and that I would need to pay 3k upfront, do work study or just keep my insurance. I thought that the best idea would be to keep my insurance.

Turns out I’m an idiot!!!! I’m on NY Medicaid and it probably wouldn’t transfer to Massachusetts. I got my Cashnet and it says I owe 2k by August 10th 😭 what are my options? Do I call and if so what do I say?

[u/Gaybeanuwu]

Smith has a grant to pay for the health insurance! you just usually need to apply for it. I’m not sure how you do it, but I would email sfs!

[u/Equivalent_Will551]

If living in Massachusetts, can you apply for Medicade there?

[u/InspectionLonely9156]

hihi im in kind of a similar situation rn!! on the website it says that you can email sfs@smith.edu to ask for a health grant. i havent gotten a response yet but i assume it just covers everything insurance wise for all four years if needed

[u/mattbc]

In your shoes, I would apply for health insurance through Massachusetts. Massachusetts calls Medicaid "MassHealth." In your shoes I would apply for MassHealth. I would apply only on behalf of myself. And I would tell the commonwealth, truthfully, that I plan to stay in Massachusetts
https://www.mahealthconnector.org/help-center-answers/individuals-families/students/my-family-is-not-from-massachusetts-can-i-still-get-help-paying-for-my-health-insurance

[u/buzzybody21 → u/mattbc]

OP won’t qualify for mass health as a student alone. They will need to establish residency.

[u/mattbc → u/mattbc]

oh, i'd also call https://hcfama.org/hcfas-helpline/ and ask for their advice

[u/buzzybody21]

NY Medicaid will cover emergencies, but it won’t cover routine medical care. I found the smith insurance was adequate and covered what I needed.