INFORMATION FOR
Yes! All students are required to have health insurance. You are required to enroll/waive the University Sponsored Insurance Plan each academic year. If you plan to keep the University sponsored insurance, you may self-enroll prior to the University enrollment period. If you have other coverage that is comparable to the University sponsored Insurance and do not wish to supplement your plan with the University's plan, you must complete the on-line waiver form to have this charge removed from your bill.
While all students are required to have health insurance – no student is required to have the Aetna Student plan. However, all in-coming students are automatically enrolled into the Aetna plan and must OPT OUT if they have other coverage. Additional information can be found on the Student Accounts page on the university website.
No. Mental health visits and medical appointments are FREE. There may be fees for some medical testing, and/or prescriptions. Your medical insurance may be billed for these services, or you can pay out of pocket at a reduced rate. Your health provider will explain any fees up front at your visit, and you have several options with which to pay.
You can stay on your parents’ health plan until age 26 — even if you're married, not living at home, or not financially dependent.
Your insurance card will list a phone number and website to assist you with finding out information about your specific coverage. This information is available on both a physical or digital copy of your insurance card.
It depends — some plans have limited provider networks out of state. Check your coverage before you move to ensure that you have the coverage you need for routine and emergency care.
The total amount you must pay out of pocket before insurance provides coverage for the cost of health care services you incur. Usually, a deductible is a yearly out of pocket expense.
A Co-Pay is the amount of money you will need to pay when you complete a medical appointment with an off-campus medical provider, prescription or service. Co-pays are usually listed on the front of your insurance card. You can call your insurance to confirm the co-pay amount for the service you are scheduling.
Although the use of recreational cannabis is legal in New Jersey, colleges and universities that receive federal funding must follow federal laws. Under the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) and EDGAR Part 86, institutions of higher education are required to keep campuses drug-free, including banning the use of cannabis. Since the use of cannabis continues to be considered illegal under federal law, schools cannot allow its use or possession on campus, even if you have a medical prescription card for cannabis. Violating this rule may risk our institution’s federal funding, including financial aid programs.
A SAFE Evaluation (Substance Assessment Feedback & Education) is a confidential and personalized assessment for students with concerns about their alcohol or drug use. It includes a clinical interview and psychometric testing to provide individualized feedback and recommendations. Students may be referred by university staff due to conduct issues, clinical clearance requirements, or may seek support on their own. Depending on clinical need, the evaluation may include drug testing and lead to treatment planning or referrals for therapy. The Counseling, Health & Wellness Center ensures strict confidentiality and offers follow-up care or coordination with external providers if needed.
William Paterson University offers personalized smoking cessation services through its Counseling, Health & Wellness Center. Students can access free screenings, individual smoking cessation counseling, and referrals to both on-campus and off-campus resources, including partnerships with Hackensack Meridian Health and national programs like NJ Quit Line and SmokeFree.gov. To learn more or get started, visit the Smoking Cessation Services page.
Students have access to nationally recognized Self-Help and 12-Step Recovery meetings, which offer both in-person and virtual support. For more information and direct access to these resources, visit the Self-Help Meetings section of the Health & Wellness page, or contact the CHWC for personalized assistance to find a resource.
