Regents Authorize Rates for 2021-2022 Student Health Insurance Plan

Dear students, staff, and faculty:

information about the Kansas Board of Regents student health insurance plan (SHIP) premiums is now available for the 2021-2022 plan year, which begins this coming August. Most individuals will see a premium increase of roughly 9% over current plan rates.

Premiums for Incentivized Students

All categories of “incentivized” students – health sciences students (including Pharmacy students), international students and GTAs, GRAs and GAs with qualifying 50% FTE appointments – will incur an 8.9% increase in their annual premiums for student-only coverage for the coming plan year. The incentivized category also includes graduate students whose funding is through a traineeship or fellowship.

• Annual coverage for most incentivized students will cost $2,462.
• GTAs, GRAs and GAs with qualifying semester appointments who enroll in the SHIP will receive a 75-percent premium subsidy toward the student-only premium.
• Plan participants may also choose to purchase spouse and dependent coverage.

Premiums for Voluntary Students

“Voluntary” students – domestic undergraduate students whose academic programs do not require health insurance coverage and graduate students who do not qualify as incentivized students – will see an increase of 9% in their premiums for the coming year.

• Student-only coverage will be $3,861 for the year.
• Plan participants may also choose to purchase spouse and dependent coverage.

Enrollment for the 21-22 SHIP begins July 1 for coverage available on August 1. Additional enrollment dates may also be available depending on one’s circumstances. All students who enroll in the KBOR plan and use Watkins Health Services have their deductible waived for covered services received there.

These rates, while not inexpensive, appear to be very competitive. We understand they may still represent a considerable financial burden for individuals and families on a limited budget. Some financial assistance to offset other expenses may be available to KU students through campus resources such as the Emergency Aid Network (help.ku.edu).

In addition, the Biden Administration has extended the period through which individuals and their families can sign-up for healthcare coverage on healthcare.gov. The American Rescue Plan has expanded who may qualify for help paying premiums. Individuals may also find they are eligible for tax credits to help offset the costs. Students who need healthcare coverage are strongly encouraged to see if they qualify for cost-reduction benefits.

Students, your individual circumstances and personal coverage choices mean we can’t fully know how many of you will be affected, however I want to ensure each of you has access to this information as you make choices for your health insurance coverage needs.

Respectfully,

Barb

Barbara A. Bichelmeyer

Provost & Executive Vice Chancellor