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The AHP blog features the latest updates and best practices in student health.

 
Student in wheelchair using telehealth for a mental health appointment

8

Apr

AI-Powered Mental Health Support: How Technology Is Transforming Student Counseling

Ancillary Coverages, Student Health, Value-Added Benefits

Mental Health Support for Students

The Growing Demand for Mental Health Support
The pressures of academic life, social challenges, and global uncertainties have led to a rise in mental health concerns among students. While many University counseling centers are well staffed, others struggle to keep up with demand, leading to long wait times and overburdened staff. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), mental health issues in young adults have increased significantly in recent years. To bridge this gap, universities are turning to telehealth and AI-powered solutions that supplement traditional counseling methods and extend support to more students.

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Young doctor waving to virtual care patient through laptop

12

Feb

Improving Accessibility to Health Services Through Technology

Ancillary Coverages, Risk Management, Student Affairs, Value-Added Benefits

Access to healthcare is a critical component of student well-being, yet many face barriers such as geographic limitations, financial constraints, and a lack of awareness about available resources. For international students and those studying far from home, these challenges can feel especially daunting. Technology is transforming the way students engage with healthcare, breaking down barriers and making essential services more accessible than ever before. 

At Academic HealthPlans, we prioritize innovative solutions that improve student health outcomes. Our own data shows that when students were asked what they would have done had they not had access to our telehealth platform, an overwhelming 70% said they would have done nothing. This highlights the critical role technology plays in ensuring students get the care they need. 

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University students working together in a modern faculty lobby

15

Jan

Enrollment Trends for International Students in 2025: What’s Ahead and How It Impacts Health Coverage

Costs and Coverage, International Students

As 2025 approaches, international student enrollment is shaping up to be a key area of focus for colleges and universities. With evolving global trends and policies, institutions face both opportunities and challenges, particularly in providing adequate health coverage for this diverse population. Let’s explore what lies ahead and how these shifts will impact health coverage for international students. 

A Steady Recovery in Enrollment 

Following disruptions caused by the pandemic, international student enrollment in the U.S. has been steadily recovering. Inclusive immigration policies and expanded post-graduation opportunities are drawing more students to American institutions. This recovery, while encouraging, brings unique demands for health coverage. Institutions will need scalable health plans that meet the needs of a growing international student body, addressing common barriers such as language, cultural differences, and access to care. Telehealth solutions and multilingual resources will play an essential role in helping students navigate their health plans with confidence. 

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12

Jun

Gene Therapy and Large Claims Impact on Student Health Insurance

Costs and Coverage, Risk Management, Student Affairs, Student Health

By Kristen Devine, Senior Account Manager

Gene therapy is revolutionizing medical science and will impact student health insurance due to its high costs. This groundbreaking treatment method offers potential cures for chronic conditions like sickle cell disease and hemophilia. Yet, its large financial implications will drive up premiums and reshape insurance plans.

This shift presents both challenges and opportunities within the student health sector, as administrators must balance the costs with the substantial benefits of gene therapy. As it evolves, gene therapy’s high cost will influence the design and pricing of health coverage.

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Students talking on college campus

29

Apr

Navigating Student Health Plans: Insights from Our Third National Student Benchmark Survey

Ancillary Coverages, Costs and Coverage, International Students, Risk Management, Student Health, Value-Added Benefits

by Elizabeth Marks, Senior Strategy Consultant

Good healthcare is connected to student success. Understanding student health plans helps insurers develop cost-saving strategies and support mental health needs. Analyzing trends and learning from student programs improves healthcare outcomes and enrollment rates, ensuring access for all students. In addition, creative solutions developed within student programs can serve as helpful inspiration for employee benefits teams.

With that, we’re pleased to present the findings of Risk Strategies’ Third National Student Benchmarking Survey, conducted between May and August 2023. The report features key findings around priorities and trends surrounding student health plans.

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Image with several students in a huddle putting their hands in to show team effort

15

Aug

Top Reasons for Issuing an RFP for Student Athletic Insurance Broker Services

Costs and Coverage, Risk Management, Student Health, Value-Added Benefits

by Jeff Struckle, Academic HealthPlans

Why should you issue an RFP for student athletic insurance broker services instead of an RFP for athletic insurance?

The most important decision a college or university can make for its athletic accident insurance program is the selection of an insurance consultant/broker to advocate for their institution. The insurance consultant/broker provides expertise and valuable services to support the Institution’s overall athletic accident insurance program that may not be considered through a product-only RFP.

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