Student Medical Expense Policies

Uninsured Medical Expenses

Documented medical expenses that are required for students and their dependents, if not covered by insurance, can be added to the student expense budget, and may increase eligibility for need-based aid. For students already eligible for need-based HLS Grant aid, these expenses will directly increase Grant eligibility. For students who do not qualify for need-based Grant aid, budget increases for uninsured medical expenses can be met through additional supplemental loan assistance.

In general, treatment for chronic illnesses, injuries, and medical emergencies (and directly related costs such as prescriptions not covered by insurance) is eligible for assistance through an expense budget increase. The following expense categories, however, are excluded:

• Insurance copayments
• Over the counter medications and products
• Eyeglasses, contact lenses and supplies, laser vision correction, and routine eye exams
• Expenses related to routine preventive care
• Prescription drugs, unless related to treatment of an ongoing illness for which the budget has been increased
• Elective procedures

In many cases, as part of our standard required appeal documentation, we may request a letter from a medical professional before we can approve your request.

If you have, or expect to have, uninsured medical expenses, please schedule an appointment with your Financial Aid Officer by calling Student Financial Services at (617) 495-4606. You can also initiate the appeal process by submitting an online appeal form.

Uninsured Dental Expenses

Students are encouraged to enroll in the Delta Dental PPO Value Program offered by Harvard University Health Services. The cost of enrollment in the Delta Dental PPO Value Program is included in the standard student expense budget, but students must take action to enroll in this program by September 30 of the current academic year to be eligible for the October 1 to September 30 coverage period.

The insurance plan covers diagnostic and preventive services at 100% when using an in-network Delta Dental PPO Value Provider. There are no copayments for regular checkups and cleanings, and discounted rates within the network for other services (fillings, crowns, root canals) requiring a copayment.

Financial assistance may be available for necessary dental procedures requiring a copayment. Students who already receive need-based HLS Grant assistance and are enrolled in the Delta Dental program may qualify for increased Grant assistance of up to $2,000. Students who do not receive need-based HLS Grant assistance, and Grant recipients who have not enrolled in the Delta Dental program, are eligible for a borrowing increase through supplemental loans. In all cases, documentation of cost and the necessity of treatment is required. For students who have not enrolled in Delta Dental program, the amount already allowed in the standard student budget for dental insurance is deducted from the cost of any procedures for which a budget increase is requested.

If you have, or expect to have, uninsured dental expenses, please schedule an appointment with your Financial Aid Officer by calling Student Financial Services at (617) 495-4606. You can also initiate the appeal process by submitting an online appeal form.