Published: August 22, 2023
What Your College Student Should Know About Getting Care
Leaving for college is a challenging, exciting, and very likely stressful time for parents and their college-bound teens. Among the many things to plan for (and pack), make sure they know how to access care if they get sick or are injured while away from home.
- Download the MyWHA app (here) onto their phone. That way, they’ll always have their member ID, PCP’s #, WHA Member Services #, and our 24-hour nurse advice line.
- Get a checkup from their PCP and refill prescriptions. If your dependent has an ongoing health concern or needs updated shots or screenings, it’s good to do that before they go, along with refilling any needed prescriptions.
- Download the stress management app and know how to access mental health support. Share how to access mental health support at mywha.org/bh. One of the best places to start is the AbleTo stress management app, which has meditations and self-care coaching. Download it from mywha.org/AbleToApp.
- Know how to access care. Emergency care is covered as a member. But the ER is only for true medical emergencies (e.g. broken bone, severe abdominal pain, or difficulty breathing). Urgent care centers are good for minor issues (e.g. cuts and abrasions, including stitches; respiratory infections such as sinus, colds, and flu; skin infections, rashes).
- Virtual care is easily available:
- Have a health concern and don't know who to call? WHA's nurse advice line is available 24x7 at 888-656-3574. A registered nurse can help answer health questions or provide suggestions for remedies. Go to mywha.org/nurseadvice for more information.
- Want to talk to a doctor virtually, but your PCP is not available? With Teladoc, you can reach a medical professional often within 15 minutes (from your phone) at 800.835.2362. Download the Teladoc app from our webpage, complete your medical history, and then it is ready if you need it. Go to mywha.org/Teladoc to learn more. Check your plan for copays.
- Complete a HIPPA authorization for medical emergencies. For those age 18+, consider having a HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) release, that allows doctors to share information and medical records, should your student not be able to speak for themselves.
- Always know that WHA Member Services is just a phone call away. If you or your teen has a question about their plan or needs help accessing care, call 916.563.2250 or 888.563.2250 toll-free (711 TTY), Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (excluding holidays) or email: memberservices@westernhealth.com.