Mental Health Insurance

Stanford has partnered with Managed Health Network, Inc. (MHN), a Health Net company, to administer mental health insurance benefits for Stanford students who enroll in Cardinal Care effective at the beginning of the 2012-13 academic year. The change follows a detailed review of students’ mental health coverage needs. Levels of benefits will not change, and access to care is expected to improve. If you are a Stanford student who was enrolled in Cardinal Care for the 2011-12 plan year and you accessed your mental health benefits, please see the transition of care information. More detailed information, including specifics about MHN’s network of community providers, is available on Health Net's website, HealthNet.com/cardinalcare.

if you have questions about transitioning your care, or about MHN, please contact Vaden Health Center’s Insurance & Referral Office at 650-723-2135, or Counseling & Psychological Services at 650-723-3785, for information. You may also contact MHN directly at, 1-800-327-0307.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. I plan to enroll in Cardinal Care for the 2012-13 academic year. What do I have to do?

You need not take any additional action. The enrollment process will continue to occur through Axess. (Remember, enrollment continues to be a full year commitment). Students who enroll in Cardinal Care will automatically be covered by MHN.

2. Can I keep my same provider after September 1, 2012?

MHN has an extensive network of providers. In addition, MHN is in the process of working with clinicians who currently treat Cardinal Care students to contract with the MHN network. MHN will offer options for a student to continue to see a non-networked clinician with whom he/she is under treatment at the time of the switchover to MHN. Please see the transition of care information.

3. I am currently getting care (and will likely still be in treatment into the Fall) with a psychiatrist or therapist who is a member of the ValueOptions network. What do I need to do when the switchover to MHN occurs on September 1, 2012?

If you plan to continue with Cardinal Care for the next academic year (2012-13) you will be automatically enrolled with MHN as of Sept. 1. The status of your provider at this time, networked with MHN versus non-networked, will drive next steps. Please see the transition of care information.

4. Under the new MHN insurance plan will I have higher co-payments or fees?

There are no changes to fees or copayments under the new plan. Plan benefits will be unchanged.

5. Will my coverage change with this switch in insurance carriers?

There will be no change to the level of benefits offered.

6. Why did the University decide to change insurance carriers?

The administration of mental health benefits has been separate from that of the medical and pharmacy benefits of Cardinal Care plan for many years. During a recent review of the behavioral and mental health needs of our student population, Stanford decided to take advantage of opportunities to improve access to care and  to integrate health services.

7. What will the cost of insurance under Cardinal Care be for the academic year 2012-2013?

For 2012-2013, enrollment in Cardinal Care will continue to be an annual commitment, beginning Sept. 1, 2012 and running through Aug. 31, 2013. The annual cost of the plan is $3,600.

8. Do I have overseas coverage for mental health care?

Full mental health coverage will be available for Cardinal Care enrollees who are overseas. More detailed information will be available over the summer.

9. I have medications from my psychiatrist filled through Cardinal Care. Will there be any change?

There will be no change to the processes in place for obtaining prescribed medications, nor will benefits change. The Vaden Health Center pharmacy will continue to serve Stanford students by providing the same medications as before at the same co-payment rates.

10. How does this transition affect international students’ requirement to have Cardinal Care?

The transition from ValueOptions to MHN will not have any impact on international students’ automatic enrollment in Cardinal Care. As is currently an option, international students may request an exception to enrollment by providing proof of alternative coverage that meets minimum standards set by the University.