Health Care and Medical Insurance

Kentucky State University’s Student Health Services provides quality, free-of-charge healthcare to students. In order to support the holistic development of a healthy lifestyle for students, we focus on all aspects of care—physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. We sponsor outreach projects to access students on their level; we conduct lectures and seminars to help educate the public about living a life of wellness. Services are available during the regular academic year and summer sessions.

Regular clinic hours are posted for the Student Health Services during the regular academic year and summer session, and services of the University’s doctor are available on a part-time basis only.  Appointments are required for visits to the Comprehensive Counselor, except for emergencies. In case of illness on weekends, please notify the Dormitory Director in your residence hall.

 

Student Health Services

SHS Homepage » 

Visit the Student Health Services home page for location, clinic hours, and more information.

After-Hours Services

On weekends and after 4:30pm on weekdays, individuals in need of care or having an emergency may contact their Dormitory Director or the KSU Campus Police & Security at (502) 597-6878. They will be able to contact the appropriate individuals to help you. For Emergency Life Threatening care call 911.

Mental Health Counselor

As a student, you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce your ability to participate in daily activities. Services are available to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing.  In order to schedule an appointment with the mental health Counselor, walk-in appointments during regular business hours are welcomed. If you would prefer an appointment, however, please call (502) 597-6271. 

Medical Insurance

Currently, Kentucky State University does not require students to purchase medical insurance. However, we DO encourage our international students to have medical insurance coverage. For their convenience, the Office of International Affairs will refer students to NAFSA website where list of US insurance carriers is provided with insurance plans that meet the requirements for international students and scholars https://www.nafsa.org/. We recommend ISO International Student Insurance (https://www.isoa.org/) that provides International Student and Scholars Plans.

Important Medical Terms

When determining which insurance plan to purchase, here are a few important terms to understand:

  • HMO: A “Health Maintenance Organization” functions as one’s health care network. If your insurance is an HMO, you will need to go to a certain network of doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, specialists, etc. to have your expenses covered by your insurance (this is called “in-network”)-
    • In-network vs. Out of Network Providers: In- network care is significantly cheaper than out of network care. Insurance companies have negotiated prices with health care providers that are in their network. If you must use an out of network doctor or provider, note the different deductible, out of pocket maximums, and costs for services.

  • Deductible: A deductible is the amount you must pay for your health care before your insurance provider begins to pay.

  • Co-Pay(ment): Amount you are responsible for every time you get medical care. Note that this cost may vary depending on the type of doctor.

  • Primary Care Provider: Some insurance plans require you to select a primary care provider (doctor) that will be the main health care provider. PCP’s normally have a lower co-pay and will write referrals if you need care not provided in their practice.