Graduate Assistants

Graduate Assistants are eligible for the following insurance plans:

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

Graduate assistants must decide which plan would be best for their needs. 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).

More details about enrollment process for SHIP and for the State of Maryland Employee Health Plans are below.

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.  Premium costs will be split by semester.  AY 25-26 cost sheets will be available in July.
• Coverage period is August 1, 2025 - July 31, 2026.  
  • Fall semester SHIP charges will begin in August
  • The Spring semester SHIP charges will begin in January.
  • SHIP is an annual plan, but if graduating in December SHIP coverage will end December 31, 2025, and will not be charged for SHIP in the Spring.
• Prescription drug plan included.
• The AY 25-26 SHIP insurance carrier will be Aetna (effective 8/1/25).
• 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.
• 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 19, 2025.