Jane Dotson
Students at Iowa State University (ISU) are automatically enrolled in the ISU Student Health Insurance Plan and are required to purchase and maintain coverage through the ISU health insurance plan for the duration of their tenure at the university. However, there are certain criteria that allow students to waive the ISU Student Health Insurance Plan. For example, if you are a domestic graduate assistant, you can waive the health coverage if you are covered by your parents' health insurance (if you are under the age of 26), your employer-sponsored health insurance, your spouse or partner's health insurance, or Medicaid. If you are an international student, there are other criteria that allow you to waive the insurance. To opt out of ISU medical insurance, you will need to complete a waiver/opting-out form and provide proof of being actively enrolled in a comparable plan.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can opt out? | Domestic Graduate Assistants, full-time employees, retirees, annuitants, survivors, eligible employees, international students with certain visas, and those with other health insurance coverage |
| Requirements | Proof of other major medical insurance coverage, documentation of other coverage, approval for OPT, and insurance through an employer |
| Process | Complete the Waiver/Opting-Out Form, contact the MyBenefits Service Center, or mark the "incentive box" on the retirement form |
| Timing | Within 30 days of initial employment or within 60 days of the qualifying event date, every semester for ISU students |
| Coverage | All health, dental, vision, and prescription coverage may be terminated, but life insurance coverage will remain |
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What You'll Learn
Waiver criteria for domestic graduate assistants
Domestic Graduate Assistants at Iowa State University can waive the ISU Student Health Insurance if they meet certain criteria. To be eligible for a waiver, students must be covered by health insurance from another provider. This can include being an eligible dependent covered by a parent's health insurance (if under the age of 26), having coverage through an employer-sponsored plan, being covered by a spouse or partner's health insurance, or having coverage through Medicaid or individual coverage through the federal marketplace.
Students who have been approved for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and have insurance through their employer can also waive the ISU Insurance. However, students on CPT are not allowed to waive the ISU Insurance. It is important to note that a waiver request must be entered every semester a student is enrolled with ISU. Additionally, waivers for Graduate Assistants will only be honoured for 31 days after the day of hire or arrival.
The University of Illinois Chicago also offers tuition and fee waivers for graduate assistants, although the specific requirements and processes may differ. At the University of Maryland, graduate assistants are provided with financial support, including stipends, tuition assistance, and benefits, but it is unclear if waivers are available.
It is always recommended to review the specific policies and procedures of your university to understand the waiver criteria and process for domestic graduate assistants. Each university may have unique requirements and guidelines, so staying informed is essential.
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International students: Enrolling dependents
International students at Iowa State University are required to purchase and maintain coverage through the ISU health insurance plan for the duration of their stay at the university. However, international students can choose to opt out of the ISU health insurance plan if they meet certain criteria. Dependents of international students can also be enrolled in the ISU Student and Scholar Health Insurance Plan.
Enrolling Dependents
International students at ISU can enrol their dependents in the ISU Student and Scholar Health Insurance Plan. This includes enrolling a spouse or child(ren) within 31 days of their arrival at ISU. Their coverage will start on the first of the month in which they arrive in the US. This coverage is mandatory for J-1 students, who are required to enrol their J-2 spouse/domestic partner and J-2 dependent children.
International students at Illinois State University are referred to the Office for International Studies for information on policies that can be purchased for dependent coverage. However, it is important to note that dependents (spouse/children) are not covered by Illinois State University's Student Health Insurance. International students will need to purchase insurance for their dependents from a private company or an insurer from their home country.
Opting Out of ISU Medical Insurance
International students at ISU who wish to opt out of the ISU health insurance plan must meet specific criteria. The following international students may be eligible for a waiver:
- Students sponsored by their home government (e.g., Saudi Arabia, Oman, UAE)
- Approved exchange students with insurance through their home university (e.g., University of Birmingham, Delft University Netherlands)
- Students who are sponsored by an approved US or international organization (e.g., Fulbright)
- Students with a visa other than J-1, F-1, J-2, or F-2 (e.g., H-1B, H-4, L-2)
- Students who have been approved for OPT and have insurance through their employer
Students at Illinois State University can opt out of the University Insurance if they already have health insurance coverage from their home country provider. However, they must provide a copy of their policy in English to the Student Insurance Office.
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Cancelling requests and refunds
To cancel your ISU medical insurance, you will need to enter a waiver. If you are an international student, you will be required to purchase and maintain coverage through the ISU health insurance plan for the duration of your tenure at the university, unless you meet certain criteria. Domestic Graduate Assistants can waive the ISU Student Health Insurance if they are covered by their parents' insurance (if they are under the age of 26), their own employer-sponsored health insurance, their spouse or partner's health insurance, Medicaid, or individual coverage through the federal marketplace.
If you are an international student, you may be eligible to waive the ISU Student Health Insurance if you are sponsored by your home government (e.g. Saudi Arabia, Oman, UAE), are an approved exchange student with insurance through your home university, are being sponsored by an approved US or international organization, or have a visa other than J-1, F-1, J-2, or F-2.
For students who have been approved for OPT and have insurance through their employer, you will need to submit certain documents to complete the waiver application. These include your Valid Terms of Appointment, which should be obtained from the Institute of International Education (IIE) prior to your arrival.
If you are a full-time employee, retiree, annuitant, or survivor, you may elect to opt out of the State Employees Health Insurance Program. You will need to contact the MyBenefits Service Center and complete the opt-out request within 30 days of initial employment or within 60 days of the qualifying event date. You will also need to provide documentation of other coverage within the enrollment period.
If your cancellation request is approved, the insurance fee will be removed from your tuition/fee bill. If you have paid your bill in full, including the Student Insurance fee, a refund will be issued by the Student Accounts Office.
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OPT, CPT, and J-1 visa requirements
To opt out of ISU medical insurance, several requirements must be met, depending on your visa type. For students with CPT visas, it is not possible to waive the ISU insurance. However, for those with OPT visas who have insurance through their employer, it is possible to waive the ISU insurance. For J-1 visa holders, specific health insurance guidelines must be met, and it is mandatory to have health insurance coverage for the full duration of your stay in the US.
CPT Visa Requirements
Students on CPT visas cannot waive the ISU insurance and must adhere to the CPT regulations. CPT, or Curricular Practical Training, is integral to your major, and the experience must be a part of your program of study. It can be authorized during your first semester if your program requires it, and your Designated School Official (DSO) will provide the necessary Form I-20 to certify this. CPT is available for both graduate and undergraduate students and can provide valuable work experience by allowing you to work up to 20 hours per week during the school session.
OPT Visa Requirements
For students on OPT, or Optional Practical Training, who have insurance through their employer, it is possible to waive the ISU insurance. OPT is often paid training that directly relates to your program of study. To be eligible for OPT, it must relate to your major or course of study, and you can apply for 12 months of OPT at each education level. If you have 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you become ineligible for OPT, but part-time CPT does not affect your OPT eligibility. To apply for OPT, you must submit Form I-765, and upon approval, you will receive Form I-766, after which you can start working.
J-1 Visa Requirements
For J-1 visa holders, health insurance is mandatory, and specific requirements must be met. J-1 students must enrol their J-2 spouse/domestic partner and J-2 dependent children in the ISU insurance plan within 31 days of their arrival, with coverage starting on the first day of the month of their arrival. J-1 visa insurance must meet the US Department of State requirements, including medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness, repatriation of remains benefits of $25,000, and a deductible not exceeding $500 per accident or illness. Additionally, the insurance plan must have an A.M. Best rating of "A-" or above and meet similar rating requirements from other agencies.
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Full-time employees and proof of other coverage
Full-time employees can opt out of the state-provided health insurance coverage. However, they must contact the MyBenefits Service Center and complete the opt-out request within a specified time frame. Specifically, they have 30 days from the initial date of employment or 60 days from the qualifying event date.
It is important to note that proof of other major medical insurance coverage is generally not required unless the employee is experiencing a loss of or gain in coverage. In such cases, documentation of the other coverage must be provided to MyBenefits within the designated enrollment period.
If an employee is retiring and wishes to opt out of the State Group Insurance Program, they must indicate this preference on their retirement form. Once reviewed for eligibility, they will receive a financial incentive packet.
Full-time employees have a range of health plans to choose from, and they can consult the "Benefit Choice Options Booklet" to learn more about their options. It is worth noting that dependent coverage is also available, and prescription benefits are included with each of the health plans.
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Frequently asked questions
To opt out of ISU medical insurance, you must complete a waiver/opt-out form. You will need to provide proof of being actively enrolled in a comparable plan.
Domestic Graduate Assistants can waive the ISU Student Health Insurance if they are covered by their parents' health insurance (under the age of 26), have their own employer-sponsored health insurance, are covered by a spouse or partner's health insurance, or are covered by Medicaid or individual coverage through the federal marketplace.
Yes, a waiver will need to be entered every semester you are enrolled.
You must complete the opt-out request within 30 days of initial employment or within 60 days of the qualifying event date.
If you have paid your bill in full, including the Student Insurance fee, a refund will be issued by the Student Accounts Office.
