Graduate Assistants

Graduate Assistants (GAs) are eligible for the following insurance plans:

• The Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)
• The State of Maryland Employee Plan
• An external plan

IMPORTANT: The default insurance is the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP).  All full time graduate students must participate in the SHIP enrollment/waiver process. 

Please use the information and resouces below to determine if you prefer SHIP or a State of Maryland Employee Health Plan.  If opting for a State of Maryland Employee Health Plan or an external plan, GAs must submit a waiver for SHIP by the deadline (GA offer letters will be accepted).

Additional Details

SHIP (more info at https://umd.myahpcare.com/)

• GAs must either enroll in SHIP or waive out of SHIP during the SHIP Open Enrollment period.
• SHIP is an annual plan. Coverage period is August 1, 2025 - July 31, 2026.   
• The AY 25-26 SHIP insurance carrier will be Aetna (effective 8/1/25).
• Prescription drug plan included.
• The annual premium costs will be split by semester. The cost of SHIP is found on AHP's AY 25-26 cost sheets
  • Fall semester SHIP charge will begin to post to student accounts in July.  
  • Spring semester SHIP charges will begin to post student accounts in December.
  • For students graduating in December, SHIP coverage will end on December 31, 2025, and will not be charged for SHIP in the Spring.  Bridge Plan is available to extend coverage for one month.
• SHIP is non refundable.

State of Maryland Employee Health Plan (more info at https://uhr.umd.edu/benefits/)

• GAs have 60 days from their GA start date to enroll in a State of Maryland Employee Health Plan. 
  (New Hire Help Guide)
• Cost is $50 - 100 per paycheck (varies by plan).
• Prescription drug plan is an additional cost.
• Insurance carriers available are Kaiser, United Healthcare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield.
• The premium cost will be deducted from student's GA stipend.
• Coverage remains in effect while on GAship.
• For questions about enrolling in the State of Maryland Employee Health Plan, please open a case with HR.
• If enrolling in a State of Maryland Employee Health Plan, a SHIP waiver must be submitted at https://umd.myahpcare.com/ by September 26, 2025.