Ensuring Your College-Age Kids Get the Care They Need—In Network

As your kids head off to college, making sure they know where to go for medical care is essential—especially when they’re still on your health insurance plan. With so much to think about, it's important to help them navigate their health insurance network to avoid costly out-of-pocket expenses. Here’s why understanding in-network care matters for your college-aged children and how you can prepare them for any medical needs that arise while they’re away at school.

What Are Health Insurance Networks?

A health insurance network is a group of doctors, hospitals, and healthcare providers who have agreed to provide services at pre-negotiated rates for members of a specific health insurance plan. In Utah, many Marketplace plans feature exclusive networks, meaning your kids must use in-network providers to ensure their medical expenses are covered. The only time that you can go out of network is in an emergency and you need to go to the closest ER.

Helping Your College Kids Stay In-Network

When your kids are away at college, it’s crucial they know where to go for in-network care. This includes finding the closest urgent care center, ER, and primary care doctor. These facilities will be their go-to options for both emergency situations and routine care. For those students who take regular medications, it’s also important to locate a nearby in-network pharmacy. If they can’t come home often to pick up prescriptions, knowing where they can refill them locally will save both time and money.

Why It Matters

Choosing in-network providers isn’t just about convenience—it’s about avoiding significant out-of-pocket costs. If your child visits an out-of-network doctor or hospital, you might end up paying the entire bill, as most Utah Marketplace plans do not cover out-of-network services, except in emergencies. By ensuring they use in-network providers, you can rest easy knowing their care is covered under your plan without unexpected expenses.

Out-of-State Coverage

If your college student is attending school out of state, don’t worry—some Utah Marketplace plans offer coverage in nearby states like Idaho, Nevada, Colorado, Washington, and Oregon. This means your child can still access in-network care even if they’re far from home. Be sure to check whether your plan includes these states and help your student identify in-network providers where they’re studying. If you need help finding the right plan to cover your college student out of state, a local agent at Utah Avenue Insurance can help.

When Can They Go Out of Network?

There are a few scenarios where your child might need to go out of network, such as in a medical emergency. If they need to visit an ER, their health insurance will cover the visit as if it were in-network, no matter the hospital’s network status. Additionally, for specific procedures or specialized care not available in-network, some plans may offer coverage with pre-authorization.

How a Local Health Insurance Agent Can Help

Navigating health insurance networks can be confusing, especially when your family is spread across different locations. A local health insurance agent at Utah Avenue can help you and your college-aged kids find in-network doctors and hospitals, both in Utah and out of state. We can also assist in identifying local pharmacies and ensuring that your child’s prescriptions are easily accessible.

The Bottom Line

Ensuring your college-bound kids understand their health insurance network is crucial to keeping medical costs low and making sure they receive the care they need, no matter where they are. With some guidance and a bit of preparation, you can help them make smart choices about their healthcare, saving both money and stress in the long run. If you need assistance navigating these options, Utah Avenue is here to help every step of the way. Your family's health and financial well-being are always our top priorities!