Northeast State encourages every student to have health insurance. The Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) provides the following options.

Domestic Students

There is not a TBR-sponsored plan for domestic students this academic year due to market constraints. Instead, a website has been established where students can compare various healthcare exchange and marketplace options. The exchange will also tell students if they qualify for free or low-cost coverage available through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Click here for additional information about the exchange. 

What are Exchanges?

An exchange, as created under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), is a place where consumers can purchase subsidized health insurance coverage.

Exchanges are online marketplaces and interactive websites where shoppers can research all of their options, compare offerings, and buy health insurance.

How do Exchanges work?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) no longer allows insurers to deny coverage or charge people more based on their health status or pre-existing conditions. Today, people without or who have been unable to buy coverage in the past can now shop for health insurance.

The ACA provides tax credits and subsidies for qualified individuals to help make insurance more affordable. Individuals shop on an exchange.

As you shop the exchange, you will make decisions based a few criteria:

1. Select the health insurance company and network of doctors. Every state has many health insurance options.
2. Select a level of coverage. Each plan has four levels of coverage called "metal" plans: Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Each plan is based on a percentage of coverage amounts.
3. Select a premium you can afford. You may qualify for a federal subsidy.

All plans on an exchange have to offer some core benefits – called essential health benefits – like preventative and wellness services, prescription drugs, and coverage for hospital stays.

How do I contact the TBR Student Health Insurance Exchange?

You can call 1.800.647.4104 or go online at www.TBRStudentHealthInsuranceExchange.com.

When is Open Enrollment to meet requirements for the Affordable Care Act?

The Open Enrollment period for 2020 is from November 1, 2023, to December 15, 2023. Deadlines are:

• November 1, 2023: Open Enrollment begins to apply for or change your coverage for 2024.
• December 15, 2023: Deadline in order to have coverage that begins on January 1, 2024.
• December 31, 2023: Coverage ends for 2023 plans. You will be auto-renewed if you don’t change your plan.
• January 1, 2024: Plans sold during Open Enrollment start.

If you miss the December 15, 2023, deadline, you cannot enroll until the marketplace reopens in November 2024 unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to a "life event” such as having a baby or losing your job-based coverage.

HealthCare.gov

If you have questions about the Affordable Care Act and the Health Insurance Marketplace, visit HealthCare.gov or call the Marketplace Call Center toll-free at 1.800.318.2596. TTY users should call 1.855.889.4325. Tell the customer service representative if you need help in a language other than English. You can also visit Localhelp.HealthCare.gov to find help in your area.

International Students

The international student insurance provider is International Student Protection (ISP). The Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) has partnered with PGH Global (PGH) to provide the medical insurance plan for international students attending the colleges within the TBR system. When enrolling for coverage, you will be able to purchase for the time period required by your institution.

Enrollment

Enrollments can be processed via www.PGHIntlStudent.com

1. Students should select "Enroll Now-Health Insurance" from the left-hand menu and proceed to online enrollment by clicking "Enroll Now" next to Northeast State Community College.
2. The enrollment process is a simple application and students will receive emailed instructions on how to create a My Account and access their electronic ID card. This can be accessed at any time once the student is enrolled by creating the My Account. 
3. Using www.PGHIntlStudent.com, the enrolled student will have access to claim status, EOBs, ID cards, network providers and other account information by logging into My Account. 

The individual student's coverage becomes effective on the first day of the period for which the premium is paid or the date the enrollment form and full premium are received by the company, whichever is later. 

• 2022-2023 TBR Plan Snapshot

Enrollment Deadlines

For any questions, please contact PGH directly at 1.888.251.6253 or CustomerService@PGHStudent.com. 

For more information on Northeast State admission requirements for international students, contact Michelle Stanley at 423.354.2436 or Dawn Carter at 423.354.2530.