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(1)
Dear Alice,
My boyfriend and I are both still young and we don't believe in bringing a child into this world without being able to support it financially and without being able to spend as much time with it as we would like. Furthermore, neither one of us could give our child up for adoption. Thus, the only solution for us would be to abort the fetus. We have practiced safe sex EVERY TIME although we are in a completely monogamous relationship.
My question then is how does one go about getting an abortion? Does Health Services perform the procedure or do they refer out? Are the referrals that Health Services make to good doctors or are they some Joe Schmoe doctor who's just cheap? How much does such a procedure cost? Does insurance pay for the procedure and if so, can parents tell from the insurance company that their child had an abortion? If parents can find out from insurance itemization, can you pay in cash? What type of forms do you need to present before the doctor will perform the procedure in the first place? Thank you.
Signed,
Trying to help others with pregnancy and abortion anxieties
(2)
Dear Alice,
Does Health Services provide referrals to clinics for those interested in abortion procedures? Do you recommend any specific one based upon their positive attitudes towards women and their expertise?
Dear Trying to help others with pregnancy and abortion anxieties and Reader #2,
You ask good questions and are trying to keep ahead of the game. Remember, if you do practice safer sex — using protection, be it a condom or other form of contraception, for every act of intercourse — it is highly unlikely that you will get pregnant. But, there is always that fluke of nature...
Health Services at Columbia, specifically Primary Care Medical Services, doesn't perform abortions, but they make referrals to private doctors and clinics throughout Manhattan that do. The doctors and other clinicians Health Services makes referrals to (for any health condition) aren't Joe Schmoe doctors, but reputable physicians and clinics that have been checked out personally by the Columbia staff. Many of these health care providers work with Columbia students regularly and understand their needs. Health Services maintains lists of referrals with many options so that students may choose a provider based on their needs.
Women are also encouraged to be aware of their instincts when talking with clinics and providers' offices over the telephone. If you don't feel comfortable with the way you're treated when asking questions or making an appointment, the likelihood is that you won't feel better when you actually go in. Similarly, if you make an appointment, go into the office, and then feel wary, you may always leave and reschedule with a different provider, assuming you have the time. You may have to pay a missed appointment fee, but you won't have to pay the whole charge for the procedure.
Students needing abortion services who prefer not to activate their private insurance for confidentiality reasons may utilize a benefit of the Health Services program, paid for by your Health Services Fee, which includes coverage for 100 percent of negotiated or reasonable and customary charges up to $500 per condition per policy year for medical and surgical abortion services. This amount is based on the average rate for these services in and around New York City. This program allows all students, regardless of whether they carry the Columbia Student Medical Insurance or alternative comparable coverage, to have access to abortion services without concerns about confidentiality. All full-time students must pay the Health Services Fee; it is separate from the costs associated with medical insurance.
If a student chooses instead to utilize benefits from her non-Columbia insurance plan, and she is concerned about parents, guardians, or a partner finding out about her health care needs, she would speak with the provider performing the abortion about her situation before having the procedure done. There are some requirements associated with state laws that govern the confidentiality of health information for minors and thus important to ask situation-specific questions of the provider in advance. For more information regarding the reproductive health care rights of minors, read The pill — where do I get it and do my parents have to know? in the Sexual Health Archives.
Keep in mind that regardless of the coverage used, additional costs may be associated with a procedure, and the student would be responsible for those. More often than not, the full fee must be paid in advance, usually by cash or check, and then the student will get reimbursed. If utilizing the coverage in the Health Services program, the student would contact Aetna Student Health (1.800.859.8471), the administrator of Columbia's Student Medical Insurance Plan. If you have more specific insurance questions, you can call the Insurance Office at x4-3286 or read through their website.
An assessment and referral by a provider at Health Services isn't necessary to access coverage, but it is encouraged. This way, the student has had the opportunity to discuss her options, gain a referral to a trusted provider that Health Services maintains a relationship with, and can follow-up on-campus as needed. All health care services at Columbia are confidential. Columbia Students can make appointments online using Open Communicator or by calling x4-2284.
Many medical situations carry much weight, but hopefully insurance details won't add to the situation. Continue to ask questions and explore your options and available resources to best meet your health needs.
