OVERVIEW
Americans are generally very health-conscious. From the foods they eat to the exercise regimens they follow, most Americans
spend a good deal of time trying to avoid becoming ill. Nonetheless, illness and accidents are sometimes unavoidable. It is
important for you to learn about health care systems in the U.S., as they can often seem complex, bureaucratic and confusing.
There is a broad range of health care services in the local community. Depending on your needs and your employee status at
Rutgers, some of these services might be provided by the university at no extra cost to you. For other services, you may be
required to pay a partial or full amount. This chapter attempts to introduce you to the range of services available to you. Do
not wait until you become ill to learn about these services; learn where and how to get care before you are in a situation which
requires medical attention.
In reading this chapter, please take particular note of the section on health insurance. You and the members of your family
must have adequate health insurance coverage at all times. If you hold J-1 or J-2 status, government regulations require you to
have health insurance. Medical care is extremely expensive: do not take risks which could leave you permanently in debt to a
hospital or physician. Those health insurance plans which do not cover routine "check-ups," eye glasses, or dental work will
nonetheless cover partial payment for certain specific health problems.
HEALTH INSURANCE
Health Insurance Through University Benefits
Those in J-1 and H-1B status who have faculty or post doctoral appointments for one academic year or more will generally
receive health benefits provided by Rutgers University. The benefits become effective on the first day of appointment for
academic-year appointments; for calendar-year appointments these benefits become effective on the first day of the third
calendar month which follows two full calendar months of employment, e.g., if you begin on January 15, benefits begin on
April 1. A "benefits orientation" conducted by your academic department or your institute will explain health benefits in detail.
Post-doctoral researchers are not eligible for regular employee health benefits, but are provided a special health insurance
plan as part of their post-doctoral appointment. Information on this plan is available from the academic department in which
the post doctoral appointment is held.
Those in J-1 and H-1B status who have appointments for less than one academic year, or those who are here on funding from
non-Rutgers sources, e.g., home government, are not eligible for university-sponsored health benefits. Nonetheless, it is
necessary for these individuals to have some sort of health coverage. The Center for International Faculty and Student
Services various options for health insurance coverage.
Health Insurance Through Rutgers University
For individuals not covered by Rutgers benefits, and for individuals whose Rutgers benefits do not begin until two months after
employment, The Center for International Faculty and Students Services sells a policy sponsored by Rutgers University.
Compared with private health insurance company costs, the Rutgers program is very inexpensive. ######### (CB fill in more
about it.)
Health Insurance Through an International Underwriter
This type of policy provides short-term health insurance with a company whose plans are designed for participants in
international education activities. Costs range from approximately $20/month for absolutely basic coverage for one participant
and up to $200/month or more for basic and major medical for the participant and his/her spouse and children. Brochures and
application forms for such plans are available in the Center for International Faculty and Student Services. Be sure to read the
brochures thoroughly before selecting an insurance plan appropriate for your needs.
Health Insurance Through an Independent Insurance Agent
You can do "comparative shopping" to determine the best price for the coverage you want by looking in the Yellow Pages of
the telephone book under "Insurance." Call at least five agents before making a decision. Do not purchase any insurance
policy without first obtaining a written description of the policy you are buying.
HEALTH CARE PRACTICES AND FACILITIES
Private Physicians
If you are not a member of any specific health care program, e.g., "US Healthcare," you can obtain the most thorough health
care through the services of a private physician. The Student Health Service can refer you to both general and specialist
physicians. You can also find a physician by looking in the Yellow Pages under "Physicians."
Managed Health Care
The Managed Health Care system is a growing source of health care in the U.S. Managed Care companies and facilities often
focus on preventative health care as a means of minimizing costs, and restrict visits to physicians and specialists who are
members of that particular managed care company. Some managed care companies will partially reimburse members for visits
to physicians and specialists who are not members of their program; these are called "Preferred Provider Organizations"
(PPOs). Individuals may join and pay for membership witha managed health care program either as individuals or as members
of a "group," such as Rutgers employees. Group members generally pay lower rates for coverage.
Hospital Emergency Rooms
Every hospital has an emergency room. Services provided are strictly for emergencies and should not be used for minor
problems which can be attended to by a private physician or community clinic. Hospital emergency rooms in the immediate
community are
St. Peter's Medical Center
254 Easton Avenue
New Brunswick
745-8525
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
One Robert Wood Johnson Place (off Somerset Street)
New Brunswick
937-8689
John F. Kennedy Medical Center
James Street
Edison
321-7601
Emergency rooms do not take appointments. In a true emergency, drive (if you can) to the emergency room nearest you. If
you are unable to drive, phone the emergency room or dial "0" on the nearest telephone, give your exact location, a brief
description of the situation, and ask for an ambulance to come immediately.
Community Clinics
There is a variety of health clinics in most U.S. communities. The type of services offered by each vary, as do the costs. Some
clinics let you pay on a "sliding scale," which means your costs are determined by your financial situation and your ability to
pay. Some clinics have comprehensive services; others are for specific health problems only. Following is a sample of the
clinics in the New Brunswick area.
Planned Parenthood, 211 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, 246-2404, offers pregnancy testing, birth control information,
referral services, and contraceptives as well as routine gynecological examinations. Fees are charged on a sliding scale. This
very reputable organization often receives public funding for services provided and is located in offices throughout the state
and nation.
Robert Wood Johnson Clinic, One Robert Wood Johnson Place, New Brunswick, 937-8761/8762, offers preparation
classes for childbirth, dental services, family medicine, and many other special areas of health care.
Catholic Charities, 18 Neilson Street, New Brunswick, 745-9800, provides no-cost health maintenance services for
low-income families.
Family Practice Residency Program, 1 Penn Plaza, New Brunswick,
828-5962.
U.S. law strictly forbids nonimmigrant visa holders from using services which are funded by federal or state social service
funds. Nonimmigrants who have benefitted from such funds may find that they are denied re-entry to the U.S. the next time
they travel. Before accepting health care funding assistance of any kind, verify that the funding is from a private, and not a
government, source.
PERSONAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL COUNSELING
Most individuals experience conflicts and anxieties severe enough at times to interfere with their daily lives, their work, and
their personal growth. These concerns may be of a personal or job-related nature. Personal and psychological counseling to
help you understand and resolve such problems is available to most employees through the University Personnel Counseling
Services (see below).
Some international visitors and their spouses hesitate to use counseling services because the practice of sharing emotions and
personal experiences with a "stranger" is culturally unacceptable. No one at Rutgers University will ever force you to seek
counseling assistance for your personal problems, but please be aware that within the context of American culture, such
professional assistance is not viewed in a negative fashion. Counseling professionals do not "judge" you, nor do they ever tell
anyone else -- not even their professional colleagues -- anything you tell them in confidence. What counseling professionals do
is guide you toward a more complete understanding of the nature and root of your difficulties, and help you learn the coping
skills you need to resolve or accept them.
University Personnel Counseling Service
A full range of counseling services is available to faculty, staff, and their families through the University Personnel Counseling
Service. The telephone number is 932-7539.
The Women's Crisis Center
The Women's Crisis Center is open 7 days per week to assist women in crisis situations. For information, phone 932-7599.
In the event of a rape or other emergency, call 828-RAPE.
HEALTH EDUCATION
The Department of Health Education, located in Van Nest Hall on the College Avenue campus, provides programs on health
related concerns. Services include seminars and workshops on nutrition, stress management, AIDS, contraceptives, alcohol
and other drugs, acquaintance rape prevention, smoking cessation and promoting respect for diversity, including issues of
racism, sexism and heterosexism. For further information call 932-7710.
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last updated August 19, 1999