Basic Plan Information
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross) provides the plan network and claims administration services for the Graduate Assistant Health Plan (GAHP).
Key plan features:
- No in-network deductible
- 100% coverage of eligible expenses after a $10 office visit copay
- $2,500 annual out-of-pocket maximum for covered services
- Pharmacy benefits in the BlueCross network with a $300 out-of-pocket maximum
- Dental care benefits: preventive and restorative care coverage at your campus’ designated dental clinic (coinsurance applies)
Find more information on the plan in the enrollment brochure (pdf).
Plan Year Dates
The 2026-2027 plan year goes from September 1, 2026 to August 31, 2027.
Eligibility
- Eligible graduate students must:
Work 195 hours per semester (65 hours for summer term) in an eligible position and you must be properly registered for the number of credits required for your job class or appointment - Eligible graduate assistants must:
Must have an appointment of 195 hours or more per semester (65 hours for summer term)
Graduate Assistant Health Plan (GAHP) coverage terminates at the end of the month in which you graduate or at the end of the month in which your position ends (as long as you have worked the required number of hours), except for under the summer coverage provision.
Costs
Coverage Costs for Graduate Assistants
The cost (premium) per month is $854.18. Your account will be charged $244.88 at the beginning of each semester.
The remaining monthly balance will be paid as follows:
- The University share of the $775.46 balance is equal to twice your appointment percentage (for example, if you hold a 25% appointment, the University will pay half, and you pay the rest ($387.73 per month)
- You will be billed once at the beginning of the semester to your student account
If you hold a 50% appointment, the University will pay the entire $775.46. Percentages are based on how many hours are worked per semester:
| Assistantship % | Fall (5 months) | Spring (4 months) | Summer (3 months) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 25% | Not eligible | Not eligible | See the Summer Coverage page for more information on summer costs |
| 25% | $2,040.68 | $1,632.54 | |
| 30% | $1,632.54 | $1,306.03 | |
| 35% | $1,224.41 | $979.52 | |
| 40% | $816.27 | $653.02 | |
| 45% | $408.14 | $326.51 | |
| 50% | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Coverage Costs for Graduate Fellows, Trainees, and Postdoctoral Fellows
You may only enroll in the GAHP if your program agrees to pay the full monthly premium, which is $775.46. Departments will need to add the surcharge of $78.72 per month for the department’s portion of the University’s subsidy of dependent coverage (see Department Authorization Form).
At the beginning of each semester, $244.88 will be charged to your account. This fee is not prorated. Postdoctoral fellows who do not have an account will be required to pay the $244.88 by cash, check, debit, or credit card.
Dependent Rates
Academic Year 2026-2027
- The first two months' payment of dependent premiums is due with the enrollment form
- Subsequent payments are due no later than the 20th of the month preceding the coverage month (for example, payment is due no later than October 20 for November coverage)
- Due to processing times during open enrollment, three months of payment may be due in a short period. Please prepare for the due dates of the premiums in advance.
| Dependent(s) | Plan 1 Rates | Plan 2 Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse | $104.32 | $162.24 |
| One child | $106.79 | $164.70 |
| Two or more children | $130.56 | $193.99 |
| Family | $222.80 | $313.81 |
Enrollment
| Graduate Assistant Status | Enrollment Action |
|---|---|
| New graduate assistants, fellows, and trainees | To receive benefits, you must complete the enrollment process by September 25, 2026, or within 30 days of your appointment start date, whichever is later.
|
| Current GAHP members (with no enrolled dependents) | You do not need to re-enroll. Your enrollment will automatically continue next term, as long as you remain an eligible graduate assistant, fellow, or trainee.
|
| Current GAHP members (with enrolled dependents) | Dependents will be automatically re-enrolled for Fall 2026. Cancelation forms for dependent coverage must be submitted by September 25, 2026.
|
| GAHP members enrolled in the Continuation of Coverage option (with or without dependents) | You must re-enroll during open enrollment to remain on the Continuation of Coverage option by September 25, 2026.
|
Student enrollment: Complete and submit an enrollment form (pdf) (Our office will respond to your submission with directions on how to submit payment if applicable).
Dependent enrollment: Complete and submit an enrollment form (pdf) (Our office will respond to your submission with directions on how to submit payment if applicable) and the first two months’ payment for dependents.
Forms & Brochures
- Enrollment and Change Form (pdf) (Our office will respond to your submission with directions on how to submit payment if applicable)
- Cancellation Form (pdf)
- Department Authorization Form (pdf) (for fellows and trainees only)
- Enrollment Brochure (pdf) (26-27 version coming soon)
Contact Information
| Topic | Contact |
|---|---|
For questions about:
| Contact the Office of Student Health Benefits 612-624-0627 |
For questions about:
| Contact Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota 1-888-227-7630 |