In the days and weeks following the Feb. 13 tragedy, the entire Spartan community came together to support one another during a very difficult time. Through the gracious support of donors, the Spartan Strong Fund was established to put those impacted and the entire MSU community on a path to healing. Recognizing that the healing process is different for each person, $500,000 of the $2 million fund was designated to reimburse or directly pay for student, faculty, staff and first responder mental health care services. As part of this effort, University Health and Wellbeing (UHW) was designated to assist in the distribution of these mental health care services funds.
It is important to note beyond this effort, MSU has provided health care and tuition reimbursement as well as access to the state compensation program for those most directly impacted.
Those who were enrolled as an MSU student, employed as a faculty/staff member or who responded to campus as a first responder (including 911 dispatchers/telecommunicators) on Feb. 13, 2023.
Out-of-pocket expenses (including deductibles, co-pays or co-insurance) related to: out-patient counseling and mental health services including telehealth; and in-patient hospitalization with a mental health diagnosis; and residential mental health treatment.
All available insurance coverage must be met before submitting for reimbursement.
Out-patient visits for conditions other than mental health.
Hospitalization for conditions other than mental health.
Loss of wages because of not working due to mental health challenges.
The state of Michigan (MDHHS Division of Victim Services) has federal funding available to potentially offer financial assistance for loss wages and other expenses related to Feb. 13.
No. The Spartan Strong Fund administered by UHW is only for mental health care services. MSU is already working with those most directly impacted to help with physical injuries. Anyone who needs assistance can email orsc@msu.edu.
For each reimbursement request, you will need the following:
Invoice/Explanation of Benefits (EOB), which is a document that you receive when you use healthcare and details how you and your health plan share costs. It is not a bill.
Proof of payment
All reimbursement requests need to have supported documentation attached. Failure to submit appropriate documents will delay consideration for reimbursement.
For claimants with insurance: You will need an electronic version (pdf, png, jpg) of invoice or Explanation of Benefits (EOB) to support the request for reimbursement and proof of payment.
For claimants without insurance: You will need an electronic version (pdf, png, jpg) of an invoice from your health care provider and proof of payment.
If funds remain available, requests for reimbursement will be accepted for up to three years from January 24, 2024. Due to the finite amount of funds available, we encourage you to complete your reimbursement request as soon as possible.
The remaining $200,000 will support healing and resiliency programming through the Office for Resource and Support Coordination for students, faculty, staff and first responders.