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As graduation draws near, we want to ensure you feel prepared as you plan for your transition from Harvard.
What is my coverage end date through HUSHP, and what does it mean?
Your HUSHP coverage, including the Student Health Fee and Student Health Insurance Plan, cannot be extended after your last day of eligible coverage.
It may take several weeks to complete the enrollment process for new coverage, so you will want to begin preparing for other coverage as soon as possible and make the choice that best meets your needs.
Your eligibility at Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) ends on your last day of Student Health Fee coverage.
Take Action
Update
Update your mailing address to receive important information from Blue Cross Blue Shield and other insurance coverage and related tax forms
Secure
Secure other health insurance coverage early to avoid having a break in coverage
Transfer
Transfer medical records if needed
Fill
Fill eligible prescriptions before you leave
Frequently Asked Questions
Is COBRA available through the Harvard University Student Health Program?
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 (COBRA) is a federal mandate requiring employers to offer extension of health care benefits to their employees after termination of employment. The Harvard University Student Health Program is not an employer plan and therefore, COBRA is not available.
Can I enroll in my parent’s insurance?
If you are under the age of 26, you may be eligible for coverage under your parent’s plan as a result of the dependent coverage provision of the new federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). PPACA requires private health insurers to allow dependents to remain on their parent’s plans through their 26th birthday. Parents of eligible dependents should contact their employers or insurance carriers for details.
What are my options if I have a pre-existing condition?
Health plans offered through the Mass Health Connector will provide coverage of pre-existing conditions. For those moving outside of Massachusetts, a Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan has been established by the federal government and may be an option. For more information, visit HealthCare.gov’s Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan.
Is there anything I need to do prior to leaving campus?
Before you leave campus, please update your address with your school’s registrar’s office and HUSHP Member Services to ensure delivery of important documentation that may need to receive. If you are a post-doc affiliate, please update your address with your human resources department and HUSHP Member Services.
I’m moving outside of Massachusetts. Do all states have the same laws and regulations when it comes to health insurance?
All states do not have the same health insurance laws. To learn more about the health insurance laws and regulations in other states, visit http://www.healthcare.gov/.
Is there any documentation that I need when I apply for other coverage?
You may need a “Certificate of Group Health Plan Coverage,” also known as Certificate of Creditable Coverage when applying for other coverage. A Certificate of Creditable Coverage is documentation provided by a health plan containing information about the length of time that a member had coverage through a particular insurer.
If you are/were enrolled in HUSHP Student Health Insurance Plan coverage, Blue Cross Blue Shield will automatically mail you this certificate once your coverage terminates. If you do not receive your Certificate of Creditable Coverage, contact Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts at 1 (800) 257-8141 to request another copy.
