All full-time degree students attending the University of New Hampshire, either at the Durham or Manchester campuses, are required, as a condition of enrollment, to have adequate health insurance.
Students will have the option of waiving this requirement if they present proof of adequate coverage; alternatively, students can acquire affordable health coverage under a plan sponsored by the University and administered by Health Plans, Inc., a subsidiary of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care.
Do I need to submit a new form this year?
All full-time students must complete a new waiver or enrollment form at the beginning of each academic year. Information does not carry over from year to year.
Why does the University have a requirement for health insurance as condition of enrollment?
The insurance requirement has been instituted to support students in their academic pursuits. Specifically, having health insurance is a way to reduce the financial risk associated with medical and/or psychological care while attending school. It is also to ensure that students who need medical care beyond what the campus resources can provide - whether for physical or mental health – will have insurance that allows them to access such care. Students who do not obtain proper health care can affect the larger campus community in classrooms, residence halls and other public places, as well as through personal relationships on a college campus.
How does the University's Student Health Benefits Plan differ from the Health Services and Counseling Fee that students at UNH Durham already pay?
The Health Services and Counseling Fee covers on-campus services offered at Health Services and the Counseling Center. When combined with a student’s health insurance plan, it provides for a complete health care package. A student's health insurance company is never billed for services covered by the health and counseling fee. If requested, any services received that are not covered by the fee can be billed to an individual’s insurance company.
Can students waive coverage under the University's Student Health Benefits Plan?
Yes, in most cases. Students who have health insurance will be able to waive coverage under the University sponsored plan if their insurance plan meets or exceeds the established waiver criteria and a valid waiver form is submitted by the deadline.
What if I am an International Student?
International students with F-1 and J-1 visas will be required to purchase the UNH Student Health Benefits Plan (SHBP); there is not an option to waive coverage under the SHBP.
What are the waiver criteria?
In order to waive coverage under the UNH SHBP, the student must be covered by an insurance plan that:
- has a lifetime maximum benefit of at least $500,000
- includes access to health care providers in the Durham, NH, or Manchester, NH area for both emergency and non-emergency health care conditions
- includes at least 20 visits for mental health care services, and there are providers in the Durham, NH or Manchester, NH area that accept this coverage
- includes prescription drug benefits
- will remain in effect for the 2009-10 academic year
- does not have a deductible greater than $500
- is in effect as of September 1, 2009, and there is no pre-existing condition exclusion or eligibility waiting period
If your plan does not meet these criteria, please call the Plan Administrator at (603)862-2853
How much does the University's Student Health Benefits Plan cost?
The cost of the 2009-2010 plan year is $1,620 for 12 months of student-only coverage. Dependent coverage is available. The premium for a spouse or same-sex domestic partner is $4,994 and coverage for dependent children is $995 per child per year. Please contact Health Plans, Inc. at 1-888-335-9400 for information about enrolling your dependents.
How will I be billed for the plan if I enroll?
If enrolling in the plan, the student-only cost will be billed by the University over two semesters ($810 each semester). The cost of the plan will appear on the bills you receive for the fall and spring semesters. (Dependent coverage is payable directly to Health Plans, Inc. on an annual basis.)
Are there any important dates to keep in mind?
Yes, the following dates:
- June 30, 2009 – last day for an on-line waiver form to be completed and not have the cost of the SHBP appear on the July bill. After this date, a charge for the SHBP coverage will be added to the student's bill.
- August 6, 2009 – last day to waive the SHBP or pay for coverage before late payment penalties are applied.
- September 18, 2009 – students must either successfully waive coverage under the University's Health Benefits Plan or enroll in the plan by this date. No exceptions will be made.
- December 10, 2009 - last day for undergraduate students to waive the SHBP or pay for coverage before late penalties are applied.
- February 12, 2010 - all full-time undergraduate students must succcessfully waive coverage by this date or they will be enrolled in the SHBP. No execptions will be made.
- February 26, 2010 - Graduate students carrying nine or more credits for the spring semeser must either enroll in the SHBP or complete the online waiver by this date.
What is the coverage period for the plan?
Coverage for the 2009-2010 plan year begins on August 30, 2009 and ends on August 26, 2010.
I am graduating at the end of the fall semester; will I need to pay for both semesters of coverage?
You will not have to pay for both semesters of coverage if you have filed an "Intent to Graduate" form. After graduating, your eligibility status will change and you will not be required nor have the option of continuing coverage under the UNH SHBP. However, if you return to the University to continue your studies as a full-time degree student, the insurance requirement will apply again.
What if I choose not to enroll in the SHBP now and want to later?
If you originally waive coverage under the SHBP, you will not be allowed to enroll in the plan until the 2010-2011 plan year unless you qualify as a Late Enrollee. There is not an option to enroll in the plan on a semester-by-semester basis.
What is a Qualified Late Enrollee?
This is a rare case in which a student may be approved to enroll in the plan after the enrollment deadline. Examples are students who involuntarily lose eligibility under a group health insurance plan due to a loss of employment or an attainment of a maximum age to be covered under a plan. Such students may apply as Qualified Late Enrollees for the SHBP if they request enrollment within 30 days of the involuntary loss. Documentation of involuntary loss of coverage must be provided to the Plan Administrator.
What if I change my status from a full-time student to a part-time student after the first semester?
If you were a full-time student and enrolled in the UNH SHBP, you will have the option of continuing to be covered for the plan year, if you choose, if you are in the last semester of your program of study. You will also have the option to terminate coverage under the plan at the end of the first semester. Students who change to part-time for other reasons during the semester may continue their coverage until the end of the first semester. These part-time students do not have the option of continuing in the SHBP after the first semester ends. (Note: Enrollment in GRAD 800 is not considered full-time.)
What if I change my status from a part-time student to a full-time student after the first semester?
You will have to complete the waiver process to provide proof of health insurance coverage once you become a full-time student. You will automatically be enrolled in the UNH SHBP for the second semester unless you complete a waiver by the deadline.
Who do I call if my question is not addressed here?
You can call the UNH Information Line at Health Plans, Inc. at 1-888-335-9400.
- 2009-2010 Student Health Benefits Plan Brochure
- SHBP Covered Medical Services and Plan Exclusions
- Summary Plan Document
Revised 11/04/2009
