Students

Some Schools are considering whether SHIP enrollment can be extended beyond the term of its expiration for Students who have just graduated. Are these extensions of SHIP coverage permissible?

The Health Connector’s regulations at 956 CMR 8.00 only describe the obligation for Schools to offer a SHIP, and for Students to either enroll in the SHIP or waive the SHIP by demonstrating they have comparable coverage. To the degree Schools have questions about who may validly be considered eligible to enroll in the SHIP, the Health Connector encourages Schools to work with their health insurance carriers, Third-Party Administrators, and the Division of Insurance (as applicable) to ensure that enrollment flexibility and extension of coverage modifications are permitted and, if so, are clearly explained in SHIP evidences of coverage, are available according to clear and consistently applied standards across all eligible newly graduated students, and remain consistent with applicable state law and federal requirements, including 45 CFR § 147.145.  

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Some Schools have already opened their SHIP waiver processes for the upcoming academic year. If a School decides to move to remote-only learning, or if a Student decides to access courses remotely, after Students have already enrolled in the SHIP, should Students be allowed a SHIP premium refund?

The Health Connector strongly encourages Schools to work with their health insurance carriers and Third-Party Administrators to ensure they can timely disenroll individuals from the SHIP if Students have comparable coverage as defined in Question 3. To avoid undue operational complexity associated with disenrollment requests after SHIP coverage has begun for the academic year, the Health Connector urges Schools to offer an additional opportunity for Students to waive their SHIP.   Note: Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP) and COVID-19 Under 956 CMR 8.00, institutions of higher education, referred to as Schools in this Frequently Asked Question (FAQ), in Massachusetts are required to offer a Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to Students, and Students must either enroll in the SHIP or provide proof of comparable coverage. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some Schools are considering expanding remote coursework beginning in Academic Year (AY) 2020-2021, as well as arrangements to support graduating Students. This FAQ aims to help stakeholders understand options for Schools that are consistent with SHIP regulatory requirements as stakeholders consider the impact of a transition to remote learning or post-graduation arrangements on SHIP offerings and enrollment.

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When can I apply for coverage?

In general, an open enrollment period is the time of year when people applying for health insurance can enroll or change a plan for any reason. The next Open Enrollment for Massachusetts begins November 1, 2024. If you qualify for help paying for coverage through programs like MassHealth or a ConnectorCare plan, or experience a qualifying life event, you may enroll at any time during the year. If you do not qualify for help paying for coverage, there are certain qualifying events that allow you to enroll in coverage at other times during the year. Qualifying events include (but are not limited to): adding a dependent through birth or marriage, moving to a new permanent address in Massachusetts, becoming a citizen, national, or lawfully present individual, or getting a waiver from the Office of Patient Protection. For more information on qualifying events, go to our Closed Enrollment information page.

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When is Open Enrollment and when do Health Connector plans start?

The most recent Open Enrollment period was November 1, 2023 through January 23, 2024. the next begins November 1, 2024. In general, Open Enrollment is the only time of year when you can purchase or change insurance plans for any reason. However, you may be allowed to enroll any time of year if you experience certain life events, such as losing your current insurance. If you qualify for MassHealth, or for a ConnectorCare plan, or want to purchase a stand alone dental plan, you may enroll at any time during the year. Find out more now → When you enroll in a health or dental plan by the enrollment deadline - which is the 23rd day of each month - then the earliest plan start date is the first day of the following month. For example, if you complete enrollment by September 23, then your coverage start date will be October 1.

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Do students have to purchase a SHIP plan?

Students are required to have health insurance to attend college full-time in Massachusetts. A student has to purchase a SHIP through their college only if they do not currently have health insurance coverage that is considered “comparable coverage.” For example, a student with MassHealth coverage, a ConnectorCare plan, or a student who is under age 26 who has coverage through a parent’s health insurance plan, does not need to purchase a SHIP.

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