A new change in the health insurance verification requirement for students enrolled at the University of Maine System (UMS) schools took effect on August 1, 2021. The University of Maine System no longer requires students to provide proof of health insurance nor will the University of Maine System automatically enroll students in a health insurance plan. Please note: Some students may still be required to carry health insurance (i.e. intercollegiate athletes, Graduate Assistants and International students)
Navigating Your Insurance Options
Listed below are different options available to you that will allow you to purchase health insurance that meets your individual needs. If you are interested in any of these options, we recommend that you immediately begin the process of shopping for and securing healthcare coverage.
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 by 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. The standard open enrollment period is November 1 through December 15th. Coverage would begin on January 1st of the following year.
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 you 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. Visit www.maine.gov/msl/digital/health/index.shtml
The Healthcare Hotline is available to answer health insurance questions by calling 207-581-2681. This line is available Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM, excluding holidays.
Option 3 – Voluntary Student Health Insurance Policy (SHIP)
UMS is offering a voluntary student health insurance policy with UnitedHealthcare for the 2023-24 academic year. The estimated cost of the policy will be $4,151. If you choose this option, you must sign up and pay for the policy directly through A.J. Gallagher, our insurance broker. Installment payment plans are available. Credit card payments will include a 3% surcharge. You will need to be enrolled in at least 9 credits as an Undergraduate, or 6 credits as a Graduate student to be eligible for enrollment. This charge will not be applied to your University tuition bill.
Additional information about this option is available at: www.gallagherstudent.com/UMS.
Enrollment period is July 11, 2023 – September 15, 2023. The coverage period is 8/1/2023 – 7/31/2024.
Option 4 – MaineCare
MaineCare is free or very low-cost health coverage. You can apply for MaineCare anytime and may be eligible if you are a Maine resident and meet certain income limits. Visit CoverME.gov to apply for MaineCare, or you can call Consumers for Affordable Health Care at 1-800-965-7476 to see if you qualify for MaineCare.
If your income is too high to qualify for MaineCare, you may be able to get help paying monthly insurance premiums and copays through Marketplace coverage, so it’s worth checking into!
For more information, visit this UMaine System webpage that outlines student options for accessing health insurance coverage and information about free wellbeing resources for those students who are not already covered under another plan. We strongly encourage 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.
Contact Us
If you have questions, please contact us. We look forward to helping you.
Merrill Center Student Services
University of Maine at Farmington
224 Main Street
Merrill Hall
Farmington, Maine 04938
tel 207-778-7100
fax 207-778-7555
TDD/TTY 207 778-7244
umfbus@maine.edu