Can I extend my insurance coverage until my GRA appointment ends?

Date: July 2017

Question

Dear Dean,

I’m a Ph.D. student in my final year and I’ll be taking a leave of absence for the Fall semester to finish writing my thesis due to funding issues. After reading your answer to a previous question about student health insurance for August graduates, I contacted the office of Student Health Benefits to extend the coverage to the end of August. However, I was told that there is no extension for students taking a leave of absence.

My GRA appointment ends on August 15 and I’m surprised that I’m forced to seek external insurance on my own for the half-month period I’m a registered student on official assistantship appointment. Is there anyway to extend the insurance coverage until my GRA appointment ends?

Thank you,

Another concerned student


Response

Dear Another Concerned Student,

The one-month extension for the Student Health Plan provides August coverage for students who will graduate at the end of the summer term, but it doesn’t sound like this applies in your case. If you are not graduating in August your fall bursar bill should have already been sent last week, and it you should see that it includes the insurance charge for 2017-18. As a continuing student you will automatically have coverage on August 1. When you request a leave of absence later in the summer you’ll need to decide whether to keep your insurance policy in place for the year or cancel. The 12-month premium ($2,712) is due in August but you’ll be eligible to receive a prorated refund if you cancel the policy, or you may elect the keep the coverage in place through July 31, 2018.

If I can be of any assistance in helping you coordinate with the Student Health Benefits office please let me know.

Best regards,

Jason

Jason Kahabka
Associate Dean for Administration