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Frequently Asked Questions

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Student Certification

• What is the definition of a part- or full-time student?
• What schools/programs for part- or full-time students qualify?
• What schools/programs for part- or full-time students are excluded?
• Until what age is my dependent child covered under my policy?
• When do I have to certify my child for student coverage?
• How do I certify my child for student coverage?
• How often do I need to recertify my child as a student?
• When are the student certification forms sent out?
• How can I obtain another student recertification form?
• Where do I send the completed student certification form?
• What happens if I do not recertify my child or if my child is no longer a part- or full-time student?
• How do I know if my student recertification form has been processed?

What is the definition of a part- or full-time student?

A part- or full-time student is defined as an unmarried dependent of a subscriber who is currently enrolled in a part- or full-time, post-secondary, accredited academic program of study in a college, university, or other post-secondary educational institution offering curricula in excess of six months per year.

What schools/programs for part- or full-time students qualify?

• Colleges (two- or four-year degree program study)
• Universities (regular or advanced degree program study)
• Vocational schools (programs leading to certificate or diploma)
• Medical schools
• Law schools
• Nursing schools
• Veterinary schools
• Pharmacy schools
• Business schools (programs leading to certificate or diploma)
• Barber and hair dressing schools (state licensing programs)
• Dental schools

What schools/programs for part- or full-time students are excluded?

• High schools (except when the student is under age 19)
• Riding academies
• Bartending schools
• Ballet schools and other schools of dance
• Private flight and driving schools
• Theater group programs
• Schools or training programs run by private businesses
• Night schools and programs at colleges and universities (not leading to a degree)
• Study at home schools

Until what age is my dependent child covered under my policy?

Your unmarried child is eligible for coverage until December 31 of the year in which he or she reaches the maximum dependent age indicated in the Subscriber Agreement. If your child is above the maximum dependent age, he or she may be eligible for coverage as a full-time or part-time student. Dependent students attending qualified schools and programs are eligible for coverage until December 31 of the year in which they reach the maximum student age indicated in the Subscriber Agreement.

When do I have to certify my child for student coverage?

You need to certify your child as a full-time student when he or she reaches the maximum dependent age indicated in the Subscriber Agreement and is enrolled as a full-time high school student, or in a full-time post-secondary accredited academic program of study.

How do I certify my child for student coverage?

To certify your child as a full-time student, please complete the student certification form that we will send to you several months before your child reaches the maximum dependent age indicated in the Subscriber Agreement.

How often do I need to recertify my child as a student?

Students must be recertified annually to continue coverage.

When are the student certification forms sent out?

The student certification forms are sent during August and September in the year in which the child turns 19 years old.

How can I obtain another student recertification form?

A duplicate student recertification form may be obtained by calling the Customer Service Department at the telephone number indicated on the back of your member ID card.

Where do I send the completed student certification form?

A window envelope is provided with the student certification letter along with instructions.

What happens if I do not recertify my child or if my child is no longer a part- or full-time student?

If you do not recertify your child or if your child is no longer a part- or full-time student, his or her coverage under your policy will terminate on January 1 of the following year.

BCBSRI will send a conversion letter to the address listed on your policy. The conversion letter will offer your child membership in a BCBSRI individual policy, or you may contact your employer to request information regarding your child’s eligibility for an extension of benefits under COBRA.

How do I know if my student recertification form has been processed?

Once the student certification form is received by BCBSRI and the information is updated in the our system, a confirmation letter will be mailed to the address indicated on your policy.