Graduate Assistants
Graduate Assistants are eligible for the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) and they are eligible for a State of Maryland Employee Health Plan. These are DIFFERENT PLANS - 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.
- Cost is approximately $1,000 for the Fall only plan, and approximately $1,500 for the Spring/Summer plan.
- Prescription drug plan included
- The insurance carrier is United Healthcare
- The premium cost for the fall plan is charged to the student's account in August. The premium cost for the Spring plan is charged to the student's account in January.
- Coverage remains in effect until end of plan period.
- 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 February 15, 2025.