Winter Break (cough, cough. sniff, sniff)!

Baker Library, today.

It’s SNOWING! First year students are wrapping up their second round of finals (two in the fall, one winter, one spring), downtown Hanover is all aglow with twinkly lights, and the line for the Dartmouth Coach is dwindling as students head out of town for a well-deserved winter break. Hot chocolates are aflowing, cookie parties were aplenty, and holiday parties are still going strong! It’s been a terrific time of year to be at Tuck.

This week marks the end of Tuck’s fall term, the end of 13 weeks (or so) of classes, about eight separate final exams, and the beginning of what should be a stupendous Winter Break. To list the places first and second year Tuckies are, or are going to be, around the world would necessitate a significantly longer post. Let’s just say, the status updates are already flooding in and I can’t wait to see where my new friends get to explore the next couple of weeks.

Personally, my student and I are hunkering down here; choosing to forgo any extensive travel to soak up our first New England holiday season. I can’t wait! Snowmen, snowangels, catching up on movies, skiing, Tivo’d programming, and my CRATE of unread magazines and books that I have either brought across the country (thinking I’d have plenty of time to read?) or have picked up while here (uh…book club, anyone?).

This week also marked my first trip to the Student Health Clinic as I pleaded to be given the cure for the stupid common cold. While under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t share gross germ-having-ways with you, I figure this was the perfect opportunity to bring up health insurance and general healthcare here. As I have mentioned before, we got married a few months before making the trek to Tuck; therefore, I am able to receive coverage on the Tuck/Dartmouth Student Group Health Plan (DSGHP).

These are the details applicable to me (disclaimer: speaking from my own experience, please see the DSGHP site for specific coverage info):

• My annual fees are ~$3000, compared to ~$2000 for students. I signed up for it during Orientation Week (easy) and the fees are added to my student’s school account (easy.easy). For more than one dependent, see site.
• Same day appointments are definitely attainable (see: me this week).
• Prescription coverage has been easy. Generics and branded-if-no-generic-available are provided without copay and I have had zero issue. The student pharmacy is only open during the week, so plan accordingly.
• They’re REALLY NICE at the clinic.
• Referrals for anything not covered at the clinic will go to the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC): Internationally renowned, nationally ranked, they integrate high-quality patient care, advanced medical education, and translational research to provide a full spectrum of health care.

We looked into several independent plans and even considered COBRA from previous employers, but this was the easiest way for us. The prices are competitive and for my health, the coverage is comprehensive. Hopefully this info helps?