Information for Graduate Assistants, Graduate Fellows, and Graduate Trainees
New Graduate Assistants/Graduate Fellows/Graduate Trainees are automatically enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) for Penn State for medical, dental, and vision coverage. Students may choose to waive this coverage or add additional dependents by making changes to their selection in Workday.
It is important to note that coverage will remain the same for returning students each year if they do not elect changes in Workday during the open enrollment period.
International Students
International students and any accompanying dependents are required to submit proof of health insurance coverage that meets a set of requirements or purchase the Penn State SHIP. More information about specific requirements for international students, enrollment deadlines, and instructions for how to submit proof of insurance can be accessed by visiting Student Health Insurance Information for International Students.
Eligibility
How to Enroll/Waive SHIP for Penn State
Insurance Premium Subsidies
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As a Graduate Assistant or Graduate Fellow, you are eligible to receive subsidies in the amount of 80% of the annual premium cost for the SHIP for Penn State for graduate students. The University will pay this amount directly to the insurance company and will deduct your 20% contribution to premium expense from your monthly stipend.
The insurance subsidy for your eligible spouse/domestic partner or child is 75% of the annual premium expense. As with the subsidy for your individual insurances, the university will pay 75% of the premium expense directly to the insurance companies and you will pay your 25% of the premium costs through a deduction from your stipend.
The term "family" consists of a student and 2 or more dependents, i.e. a student, spouse and one child, a student and 2 or more children, or a student, spouse and 2 or more children. The insurance subsidy for your eligible family is 76% of the annual premium expense. As with the subsidy for your individual insurances, the university will pay 76% of the premium expense directly to the insurance companies and you will pay your 24% of the premium costs through a deduction from your stipend.
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As a Graduate Assistant or Graduate Fellow, you are eligible to receive a subsidy in the amount of 80% of the annual premium cost for the United Concordia Dental Insurance Plan. Your insurance subsidy for your eligible dependents is 70% of the annual premium expense.
Resources
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As a Graduate Assistant or Graduate Fellow, you are eligible to receive a subsidy in the amount of 80% of the annual premium cost for the Highmark Blue Shield (Davis Vision) plan. Your insurance subsidy for your eligible dependents is 70% of the annual premium expense.
Resources
- Vision Rates - Monthly Deductions for Graduate Assistants/Graduate Fellows
- Vision Insurance Benefit Schedule for Graduate Assistants/Graduate Fellows
- Highmark Blue Shield website
Submitting Foreign Claims
When a vision service is rendered outside of the country, please follow the steps below:
- Schedule your appointment with a provider of your choice.
- Pay the provider in full for all services.
- Mail the completed claim form* along with a copy of your itemized receipt to:
Davis Vision
P.O. Box 1525
Latham, NY 12110*Claim forms are available from the Highmark website.
4. Payment will be issued, if eligible, based on the out-of-network benefit schedule.
Rates and Enrollment Deadlines
Insurance Enrollment/Waive Deadlines
| Coverage Period | Summer 2024 | Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enroll/Waive Deadline | July 5, 2024 | September 3, 2024 | January 21, 2025 | July 1, 2025 |