UMA Student Health Insurance
The University of Maine System Has Changed Health Insurance Offering to the Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP)
A new change in the health insurance verification requirement for students enrolled at University of Maine System (UMS) schools will take effect on August 1, 2021. This webpage outlines student options for accessing health insurance coverage and information about free wellbeing resources for those students who are not already covered under another plan.
In response to student concerns related to the cost of student health insurance, access to affordable education, and changes to federal policy, the University of Maine at Augusta (UMA) is eliminating its health insurance verification requirement. As a result, UMS will no longer require that students provide proof of health insurance coverage and will no longer offer an insurance policy that automatically enrolls students in an insurance plan. This means that if you are at a UMS school next academic year and had planned to utilize the student health insurance option offered through your university, you will need to take action to secure a health insurance plan.
How to Navigate Student Insurance Options
This webpage highlights different options that will allow students to purchase health insurance that meets each student’s individual needs.
Some options include:
Option 1 – Health Insurance Offered through a Workplace, Parent or Family Member’s Policy
Students may already be eligible for health insurance coverage through a policy offered through their workplace or a policy provided to a parent, guardian, or family member. To understand your eligibility and the cost of coverage, you will need to work directly with your employer or covered family member’s insurer.
Option 2 – The Government Healthcare Marketplace
The United States federal government offers a health insurance Marketplace where individuals may shop for a health insurance policy. Due to the University of Maine System (UMS) no longer automatically enrolling students and the impacts of COVID-19, you may enroll in a marketplace-offered policy from now up until August 15. If you miss this date, it is ok! The general open enrollment period for the marketplace is November 1 to December 15. Open enrollment is the period of time during which you can join a plan.
To help you through these choices, UMS has formed a new partnership with health insurance navigators who specialize in helping individuals and families consider their available options in the marketplace, including eligibility for subsidized coverage.
Navigators can also assist with other forms of financial, food, or housing assistance that contribute to stability and student success. You may work with a navigator to review your options free of charge at any time.
Free consultations with navigators can be scheduled by visiting the Maine Government Healthcare Navigator webpage. The Healthcare Hotline is also available to answer health insurance questions by calling 207-581-2681.
Option 3 – Voluntary Student Health Insurance Policy (SHIP)
The University of Maine System is offering a voluntary student health insurance policy with Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield for the 2021/2022 academic year. The estimated cost for this policy will be $4,005. If you choose this option, you must sign-up and pay for the policy directly through A.J. Gallagher, our insurance broker. Installment payment plans are available. Credit card payments will include a 3% surcharge. Enrollment and credit hour conditions may apply.
Additional information about this option will be available in June 2021 from Gallagher and by visiting the Gallagher website.
Additional Options: Free Access SilverCloud Mental Health Wellbeing Platform
Regardless of your choice, if you are a University of Maine System (UMS) student for the 2021-2022 school year, you will have free access to the SilverCloud wellbeing platform. Available on any device at any time, the self-guided online programs are designed to help address underlying issues related to stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and resilience. SilverCloud is a wonderful resource, but it does not offer healthcare coverage beyond these self-guided online programs.
Students participating in athletics and/or club sports should also contact the Office of Student Life at 621-3374, for further information about the insurance requirement for student athletes.
All UMA degree candidates in the following academic programs who are registered for 1 or more UMS credits in a fall or spring semester MUST have an active health insurance plan:
- S. in Aviation
- Certificate in Dental Assisting
- S. in Dental Assisting
- S. in Dental Hygiene
- S. in Dental Hygiene
- S. in Nursing
- S. in Nursing 1+3 Year UMA-UMFK
- S. in Veterinary Technology
Please contact the department directly for further details.