Student Health Benefits Plan - UNH Health Services

Faculty and Staff image 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.

Click this link to complete the 2008-2009 Student Health Benefits Plan Enrollment/Waiver process.

(Note: If waiving coverage, you will need your insurance id card or information in order to complete the waiver.)

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. There will not be a requirement for an Employer/Health Plan Counter-signature with the new on-line process.

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.

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 2008-09 academic year
does not have a deductible greater than $500
is in effect as of September 1, 2008, 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 premium for the 2008-2009 plan year is $1,490 for student-only coverage for 12 months of coverage. Dependent coverage is available. The premium for a spouse or same-sex domestic partner is $4,540 and coverage for dependent children is $865 per child per year. Please contact Health Plans, Inc. at 1-888-335-9400 for information about how to enroll your dependents.

How will I be billed for the plan if I enroll?

If enrolling in the plan, the student-only premium will be billed by the University over two semesters ($745 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 two dates:

June 27, 2008 – 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 7, 2008 – last day to waive the SHBP or pay for coverage before late payment penalties are applied.
September 19, 2008 – 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.

What is the coverage period for the plan?

Coverage for the 2007-2008 plan year ends on August 29, 2008. Coverage for the 2008-2009 plan year begins on August 30, 2008 and ends on August 29, 2009.

I am graduating at the end of the fall semester, will I need to pay for both semesters of insurance?

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 am a new student in the spring semester and I don't have health insurance?

If the insurance requirement applies to you, you may enroll in the Student Health Benefits Plan offered by the University as a "Qualified Late Enrollee". The cost of the plan for Qualified Late Enrollees is $125 per month; enrollment begins on the first day of the month.

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 2009-2010 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 are new to the University in the spring semester, have lost insurance coverage due to a loss of employment, or an attainment of a maximum age to be covered under their parent's plan.

What if I change my status from a full-time student to a part-time student after the first semester?

If you originally enrolled in the UNH SHBP, you will have the option of continuing to be covered by the plan for the plan year if you choose. 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 semester. These part-time students do not have the option of continuing in the SHBP after the semester ends.

What if I change my status from a part-time student to a full-time student after the first semester?

You will have to provide proof of health insurance coverage once you become a full-time student. If you do not provide proof of coverage, you will automatically be enrolled in the UNH SHBP for the second semester.

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.

Revised 5/27/08

UNH Health Services - General Information

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