Greetings,

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 letter outlines your options for accessing health insurance coverage and information about free well being resources if you are not already covered under another plan. Please note: some University programs, such as allied health, aviation, and intercollegiate athletics, require health insurance for program participation. These changes do not apply to Graduate Assistants and International students. What’s Going On

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 System is eliminating its health insurance verification requirement. As a result, the 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. Navigating Your Insurance Options

This letter highlights different options that will allow you to purchase health insurance that meets your individual needs. It can take time to figure out the best choice for your future health care coverage. If you are interested in any of these options, we recommend that you immediately begin the process of shopping for and securing healthcare coverage.

Here are a few options:

Option 1– Health Insurance Offered through a Workplace, Parent, or Family Member’s Policy

You may already be eligible for health insurance coverage through a policy offered through your 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 – Healthcare.Gov Marketplace

The United States federal government offers a health insurance Marketplace where individuals may shop for a health insurance policy.  Due to UMS no longer automatically enrolling students and the impacts of COVID-19, you may enroll in a marketplace-offered policy from now up until September 15. If you miss this date, it’s 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: www.maine.gov/msl/digital/health/index.shtml

Option 3 – Voluntary Student Health Insurance Policy (SHIP)

Regardless of your choice, if you are a UMS student for the 2023/2024 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.

Please visit SilverCloud at: umainesystem.silvercloudhealth.com/signup/.

Our commitment to student success extends far beyond the classroom. Changes to our health insurance policies and our new partnership with Maine’s health insurance navigators remove financial and administrative barriers to higher education and provide students with the expert advice they need to improve their wellbeing and financial stability.

Affordable health insurance provides the financial stability and peace of mind students need to be successful in college. While it will no longer be required, the University of Maine System strongly encourages students to acquire health insurance coverage that meets their individual needs. There are cost-effective options available for many students, including expanded eligibility for income-based premium subsidies.

Sincerely,

Dr. Robert Placido

Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs

University of Maine System