What Graduate Students Need to Know
Since Fall 2013, the Graduate Student Assembly has partnered with the University Health Services to provide greater awareness and information about healthcare to our graduate student community. The information about the 2010 Affordable Care Act has been prepared by UHS to help graduate students as they consider their insurance options.
As a graduate student, you might wonder how the new health insurance laws will affect you.
The 2010 Affordable Care Act, sometimes called Obamacare, is a federal law with several provisions that have been rolling out over time. This law is intended to increase the number of people who have health insurance, improve the quality and affordability of health insurance, and reduce the costs of healthcare. Here are some of the provisions in the law that directly impact UT graduate students:
- Most health insurance plans must now cover preventative services at 100% (no cost to the patient). This includes many immunizations, certain tests and screenings, and specific women’s health services like well-woman visits, contraception, and prenatal care. Each health insurance plan publishes a list of preventative services covered at 100%, but all the lists must include services outlined in the law.
- Adult children can join, stay, on, or return to a parent’s plan until they turn 26 years old. It doesn’t matter whether you are married, have graduated, don’t live with your parents, or could get insurance through your job.
- Health insurance companies cannot refuse to cover you or charge you more if you already have a health condition or develop one. They also cannot set annual or lifetime limits on how much they will pay for your healthcare.
- Health insurance will cost the same for men and women. In other words, women no longer have to pay more than men do for the same policy.
Lately, the 2014 Health Insurance Requirement has been a hot topic. Also called the “Individual Shared Responsibility” provision, this part of the law requires most people to obtain health insurance or pay a penalty. Some students may qualify for an exemption, but students with spouses and or children of their own should look at this requirement carefully. You can get more information about this part of the law at the links below:
- What if someone doesn’t have health coverage in 2014?
- Internal Revenue Service: Q&A on the Individual Shared Responsibility Provision
Your Health Insurance Options
As a graduate student, you have some unique options.
Enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan. The UT System Student Health Insurance Plan provides affordable coverage tailored to the unique needs of UT students and their eligible dependents. This plan has all of the features required by the Affordable Care Act plus optional dental insurance. Learn more or sign up at UT Student Health Insurance Plan or by calling UHS at 512-475-8394.
Many international students are already enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan. For assistance, call the UT International Office at 512-471-2477.
Employer-provided coverage: If you work for the university or have any other job, ask your supervisor or human resources contact if you’re eligible for insurance through your workplace. If applicable, ask about enrolling your uninsured spouse and/or children.
Join or stay on your parent’s insurance plan. If you are 25 years old or younger, ask your parents about joining their health insurance plan.
Enroll through the Health Insurance Marketplace at Healthcare.gov. Financial help is available to qualifying individuals. The Marketplace has a variety of plans to meet different budgets.
State of Texas Medicaid: Find out if you qualify by calling 211.
Texas Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP): CHIP is health insurance designed for families who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid, yet cannot afford to buy private health insurance. It covers healthcare and other health services for children under age 19. Learn more and apply for CHIP.
Travis County Medical Assistance Program (MAP) is for low income people who do not have other coverage like private insurance or Medicaid and who live in Travis County. Learn more at Travis County MAP.
Remain uninsured. Many students may earn so little that they’re not required to have health insurance. If you are required to have insurance and you don’t get it, the tax penalty will apply. Either way, if you’re uninsured, you’ll have to pay for 100% of your medical expenses. UHS does not recommend this option.
Resources for More Information
UT Student Health Insurance Plan
Glossary of health insurance terms
UHS Cashier/Insurance Office staff can help you make sense of your plan and sort out your options. Call 512-475-8394 or come by SSB 2.106 during normal business hours.
Younginvincibles.org A national organization committed to mobilizing and expanding opportunities for young adults between 18 and 34 years of age on issues like higher education, health care, and jobs. Their website provides insurance information specifically for young adults.