Understanding BCBS Student Health Plan Benefits and Coverage

Maintaining health insurance coverage is a crucial investment in a student's well-being, ensuring access to necessary care. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) student health plans, often referred to as Student Health Insurance Plans (SHIP), outlining their benefits, coverage details, and key considerations for students.

Health Insurance Recommendations and Requirements

While domestic undergraduates are not mandated to have health insurance starting Fall 2025, it is strongly recommended. For international students holding F-1 or J-1 non-immigrant statuses, participation in the UNC System Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) is required beginning January 1, 2026, unless specific waiver conditions are met. All International students (F-1,F-2 or J-1, J-2 visas) are required to have health insurance while attending UNC Charlotte, regardless if the student is living in the US or abroad. UNC Charlotte students, who meet the following criteria, are eligible for the UNC System Student Health Insurance Hard Waiver (Mandatory Plan) and are required to have health insurance. These students are automatically charged the current semesterly premium amount for the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) when they register for the semester.

Enrollment and Opt-In Procedures

Students interested in SHIP coverage can enroll after registering for classes. To enroll, visit sc.myahpcare.com, click on "Opt-In to the Plan," select the relevant USC campus, and create a new account. Allow 3-4 business days after enrollment for the system to update. After enrollment of a premium plan, allow up to 7 business days for the premium plan upcharge to be added to the student account, if the enrollment is completed after July(for fall) or November (for Spring). If enrollment is done in May through June, the charge will not be added to the tuition account until on or around the first week in July.

Waiving SHIP Coverage

Students with comparable health insurance coverage have the option to waive out of SHIP. To do so, they must submit proof of their existing coverage by the specified deadline (e.g., February 2, 2026). The existing plan must offer similar benefits to SHIP. Students must provide proof of insurance by submitting an online waiver to Student Blue. After the waiver is submitted and approved by Student Blue, an insurance premium credit will be applied to the tuition account. Allow up to 15 days. Private health insurance plans must be effective by Sept.1st (fall) or Feb. 1st (spring). To waive using TRICARE or Veteran Affairs insurance, enter the sponsor or Military Member's social security number or DOD number.

Dependent Coverage

Students can add their spouse, partner, or dependents to their SHIP plan by contacting AHP directly. However, they will be responsible for the full premium. Once enrolled, removal options may be limited.

Non-Automatic Renewal

Coverage does not renew automatically. Students must enroll again unless they submit a waiver before the deadline.

SHIP as a Gold Plan

The Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) is often considered a Gold Plan in the insurance marketplace.

Activating Coverage

After enrolling in a premium plan, it may take up to 7 business days for the premium plan upcharge to be added to the student account, especially if enrollment is completed after July (for fall) or November (for Spring). If enrollment is done in May through June, the charge will not be added to the tuition account until on or around the first week in July. If you are purchasing Student Blue insurance, you must go online to activate the insurance by enrolling.

Student Blue Plans and Costs

Students without insurance may purchase the Student Blue Student Health Insurance. Undergraduate Rates- per fall and springValue Plan: $1226.80Premium Plan: $1583.50Graduate Rates- per fall and springValue Plan: $1396.54Premium Plan: $1802.92Student Blue Value plans do not meet J-Type visa requirements. Upon registering for classes (fall or spring) your tuition account will be charged the insurance rate (value plan) for each Fall and spring semester enrolled.

Understanding the Two-Payer System

When a student has both SHIP and another health insurance carrier, SHIP acts as a secondary payer. This means claims are first processed through the primary insurance, and then by SHIP. To avoid claims issues, it's crucial to inform healthcare providers of both plans.

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Accessing Healthcare Services

Students with SHIP can access prescription medications and other healthcare services immediately.

Preventive Care

The Student Health Insurance Plan covers routine preventive medical exams for members who are 18 or older.

Out-of-Network Care

Seeking care from out-of-network providers will result in higher costs. In most cases, a plan-year deductible must be met before coinsurance applies. The out-of-network provider may bill the student for the difference between their charge and the amount BCBS pays. Reimbursement for out-of-network services is based on the allowed amount, not the provider's charge. Even after meeting the deductible and out-of-pocket maximum, balance billing charges from out-of-network providers still apply.

To locate a preferred provider out of state, call Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core at (800) 810-2583.

Cost Estimates

All providers are required to provide cost estimates for services.

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Ancillary Services

When patients receive ancillary services (such as labs or durable medical equipment) from an in-network provider, those services may be billed at the out-of-network benefit if the ordering provider and the provider rendering care are located in different states.

Acute Care Hospitals in Massachusetts

Acute care hospitals in Massachusetts are grouped into two different cost-sharing levels: Lower Cost Share Hospitals ($) and Higher Cost Share Hospitals ($$). The Find a Doctor tool at bluecrossma.com/findadoctor can help locate lower-cost sharing hospitals.

Staying on a Parent's Plan

Students under 26 may be able to stay on their parents' health insurance plan. If attending school in a different state, ensure the plan covers doctors and hospitals near campus.

Marketplace Plans

Shopping on the Health Insurance Marketplace may be suitable for students with tight budgets. Tax credits can lower monthly premium payments.

AcademicBlueSM

AcademicBlueSM are student health plans offered for a number of schools.

Finding a Network Doctor Near School

When a school is far from home, it’s important to ensure that there are doctors, hospitals and other health care providers in your plan’s network near campus. You won’t have to select your network or plan - it will automatically be displayed.

BlueCard® Program

The BlueCard® Program provides coverage across the country and around the world. However, coverage varies for each BCBS plan and depends on whether the provider contracts with BCBS.

Away From Home Care

BCBSTX HMO plan members can request to become a guest of another Blue HMO participating in their school’s area if they are away from home for at least 90 days. Contact the Customer Service number on the member ID card to check availability.

Important Considerations

Please allow 2-3 business days after registering for classes to log in to the Student Blue site to complete a waiver or enroll in the plan.
Insurance premiums cannot be prorated.
Insurance coverage dates apply regardless of enrollment date.
Medicaid Family Planning is not credible health insurance and will not be approved to obtain a waiver.
Distance Education students may be eligible to be enrolled in the Student Blue Plan. Check with your program to determine if the program's campus location is coded as Main Campus or Distance Education.
RIT and certain affiliates only provide administrative services for self-funded plans and do not underwrite benefits.
In Ohio: Community Insurance Company.
trades as Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia, and its service area is all of Virginia except for the City of Fairfax, the Town of Vienna, and the area east of State Route 123.
In Wisconsin: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wisconsin (BCBSWI), underwrites or administers PPO and indemnity policies and underwrites the out of network benefits in POS policies offered by Compcare Health Services Insurance Corporation (Compcare) or Wisconsin Collaborative Insurance Corporation (WCIC). Compcare underwrites or administers HMO or POS policies; WCIC underwrites or administers Well Priority HMO or POS policies.
Independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

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