FAQ's

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Implementation of the Campus Health Service Fee

Why was this fee implemented?

The cost of health care typically increases at a rate that is faster than that of inflation. The Campus Health Service Fee was initiated several years ago to allow the university to maintain in its commitment to providing valuable health services for students on campus. The fee is similar to fees found at many of Stanford’s peer institutions.

Why doesn’t tuition cover these costs?

The modest increases in tuition over the last several years have not kept up with medical costs and inflation. This fee is helping to preserve access to valuable health services for students.

I rarely use the services at Vaden. Why should I be charged this fee?

Vaden Health Center offers a broad spectrum of services which are available to students when they need them. The university determined that it is important for students' well being and success to maintain access to those services, even in the face of economic downturn. To be equitable, the university decided to charge all students who are currently on campus and eligible to use the services. This approach is far preferable to charging only ill and injured students a visit fee at the time of service, which would deter some students from seeking necessary care.

Exceptions and Financial Aid

Can I waive the fee?

The Campus Health Service Fee is mandatory for all enrolled students who are categorized as needing to pay the fee (see list above). A Campus Health Service Fee exemption may be requested by enrolled students who are living outside of the Bay Area for the entire quarter and who therefore cannot access Vaden Health Center. The Bay Area is defined as Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, or Sonoma counties. To request an exemption, complete and submit a specialized HelpSU ticket here.

What if I study abroad, at Bing Stanford in Washington, or Hopkins Marine Station?

The Campus Health Service Fee is charged to students enrolled on the main Stanford campus. While you are enrolled at another Stanford campus, you are not charged the fee, even though you may be paying other Stanford charges, such as tuition.  This is true of students enrolled in Bing Overseas Studies Program, Bing Stanford in Washington and studying at the Hopkins Marine Station. Students who are studying outside of the Bay Area for the entire quarter may request a Campus Health Service Fee exemption by clicking here.

I am a graduate student away from campus for a quarter or more.  Will I have to pay the fee?

A Campus Health Service Fee exemption may be requested by enrolled students who are living outside of the Bay Area for the entire quarter. The Bay Area is defined as Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, or Sonoma counties. Students will directly request the exemption through the Student Services Center via a customized, precategorized HelpSU ticket by clicking here. The HelpSU ticket will require that the student answer several questions to confirm their eligibility for the exemption.

Are there any University resources to help me pay this fee?

A Graduate Student Aid Fund has been established to assist a limited number of graduate students with University fees, such as the Campus Health Service Fee and Cardinal Care Insurance costs, when those fees cause significant hardship. Interested students are asked to complete the loan application process with the Financial Aid Office to establish financial need.

In addition, the existing Emergency Grant-in-Aid Fund continues to be available for students experiencing financial hardship due to unanticipated expenses or a financial emergency (medical, dental, legal, etc.). Information about both programs is available at https://financialaid.stanford.edu/grad/funding/emergency.

I am a graduate student with funding from my program, department or fellowship. Will the fee be covered?

It will depend upon the source and type of support you receive. Some departments and some sources of funding will cover the fee, but many will not. Please consult with your department's student services administrator.

I am a graduate student using federal student loans to finance my educational costs. Can my loan eligibility be adjusted to reflect this fee?

Yes, as a mandatory fee, the costs are included in the calculation of your eligibility for loans.

I am an undergraduate currently receiving University scholarship funds. Will my financial aid be increased to cover the fee?

Yes, the Campus Health Service Fee will be included in your Cost of Attendance used to calculate financial aid eligibility.

If I purchase Cardinal Care and pay the Campus Health Service Fee, am I paying for the same services twice?

No, Cardinal Care and the Campus Health Service Fee cover two distinct sets of services, and they do not overlap.

Cardinal Care was designed to meet students’ needs beyond the core services provided at Vaden Health Center. Cardinal Care services include specialty care, prescriptions, emergency and inpatient care and other off-campus health services.

The Campus Health Service Fee covers most services at Vaden Health Center, including primary care visits, CAPS evaluation and short-term therapy, and health and wellness programs. These services were previously supported by university general funds.

If I am unregistered for summer quarter, but have Cardinal Care, do I have to pay the fee?

No, you would not need to pay the fee if you are unregistered for classes in Summer quarter UNLESS you present at Vaden for care in the summer. The fee would be charged IF you come to Vaden for care. (Unregistered students who do NOT have Cardinal Care in the summer would be charged fee-for-service at the time of the visit to be seen at Vaden in the summer).

I have my own insurance plan. Do I have to pay this fee?

Yes, the Campus Health Service Fee covers the cost of most services at Vaden Health Center, which you may use regardless of your private insurance coverage. You need your private insurance (or Cardinal Care, the University-sponsored insurance plan) to cover the cost of other services, such as specialist care, outside of Vaden.

I have my own insurance plan. Does Vaden Health Center bill my private insurance for primary medical care visits?

No, Vaden Health Center does not bill private insurance carriers for primary care visits, CAPS evaluation and short-term therapy, or the health and wellness programs that are covered under the fee.

Details

How will it appear on the University bill?

The fee will appear on a student’s university bill at the beginning of each quarter for which the student is charged tuition.

What if I take a leave of absence in the middle of the quarter?

The Campus Health Service Fee is billed quarterly and is not pro-rated. There will not be a refund of these charges.

I am a student who is not required to pay the fee. Can I still come to Vaden?

Yes, students who are not required to pay the Campus Health Service Fee may use services at Vaden Health Center and will be charged at the time of service for each service used. Charges may be covered by the student's health insurance.

Will I be charged for my prescription at the pharmacy?

Yes, pharmacy services are not covered by the Campus Health Service Fee. Pharmacy charges, like some other services at Vaden, are the student’s responsibility.

I am a spouse/domestic partner of a student. Am I required to pay the Campus Health Service Fee?

No, spouses and domestic partners are not charged the fee. Adult dependents of students may be seen at Vaden Health Center and will be charged fee-for-service at the time of the visit. Adult dependents who have coverage through the Stanford Student Dependent Health Insurance Plan should access care through a networked provider to minimize out-of-pocket costs.

How to Get More Information

I have additional questions. How can I get more information?

If your question has not been answered above, please contact us at [email protected].