Does your Health Plan Measure Up?

General Information

Under Colorado law, governing boards of public institutions of higher education can specify requirements for the health and safety of students attending that institution. The Colorado School of Mines has offered health insurance to our students since the 1960’s.

LEGAL AUTHORITY
Beginning in 1991, through action by the Board of Trustees of the Colorado School of Mines, all students are required to have health insurance as a condition of enrollment. This requirement has not changed in over 30 years. Under Colorado law 23-5-106., C.R.S: The governing board of any state institution of higher education has the authority to promulgate rules and regulations for the safety and welfare of students, employees, and property, to promulgate rules and regulations necessary for the governance of the respective institution.

 

Unless otherwise specified, the following students, as a condition of enrollment, must have health insurance that meets or exceeds CSM’s coverage requirements:

-All degree-seeking students, regardless of credit hours. (Online only students are not eligible for the SHIP)

-All International Students (F and J visas), regardless of degree-seeking status, must purchase the SHIP, unless they meet specific requirements to waive.

 

Does your health plan measure up to qualify for a waiver?

To determine if your current plan qualifies to waive enrollment in the Student Health Insurance Plan, your plan must meet all of the following coverage requirements: 

  • has a maximum benefit of at least $2,000,000 (with no yearly or per condition maximum benefit that would reduce coverage)
  • includes participating (in network) health care providers in the Denver metro area for both emergency and non-emergency health care services
  • cannot have limits on the number of healthcare visits per plan year
  • includes prescription drug benefits
  • provides at least 20 outpatient visits for mental health care services and at least 30 days of inpatient mental health care services, including emergency psychiatric admissions
  • has coverage that is in effect on the first day of classes without any waiting period or pre-existing condition exclusion and will remain in effect for the entire academic year
  • has a total annual out of pocket of $9100 or less
  • has coverage while traveling abroad (if current plan does not have this coverage, students must purchase additional travel insurance)

If your current plan meets Affordable Care Act guidelines, it will likely meet our requirements to waive. However, you will need to verify that you have in network providers in the Denver Metro area.

If you are in an HMO plan in a state other than Colorado, please contact your insurance provider to see if you can get a “visitor’s card” for coverage in Colorado.

 

All students are charged for the SHIP, but those students with approved waivers will also see the waiver credit.

 

Instructions for Using the SHIP Online Enrollment/Waiver Process: Step-by-step Guide

23/24 Annual Waiver Period Opens July 15, 2023 and continues to Census Day, September 6, 2023

 

If you are ENROLLING:

  • Choose the Enroll Button
  • The sooner you enroll, the better! This will get your information into all systems so that your coverage will be fully active on the plan start date.
  • If you choose to enroll by clicking the green button, you will be prompted to read the Terms and Conditions, and enter your initials.
  • If you choose to default enroll, it may be mid-September before you are fully activated in the system, which could result in delay of claims processing and prescription coverage.

 

If you are WAIVING:

  • Choose the Waive Button – you will be prompted to attach proof of insurance.
  • Once your proof of insurance is uploaded, complete the Student Information Chart.
  • Electronically sign and click Submit Waiver. Waivers will be processed in around seven business days. It is the student’s responsibility to follow up on their waiver status.

 

Waivers can around 7 business days to process, and you may be asked for additional supporting information.

Fall Late waivers are accepted until Friday, October 6, 2023. There is a $125 fee for late waivers.

If you encounter problems or have questions, contact the Student Health Insurance Plan Manager at ship@mines.edu.

Contact

Andrea Tangney
Student Health Insurance Plan Manager
Student Wellness Center, #236
303-273-3388
ship@mines.edu