Graduate Assistant Health Plan Open Enrollment

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).

Primary Member Highlights

• No in-network deductible
• 100% coverage of eligible expenses after a $10 office visit copay
• 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 2023-2024 plan year goes from September 1, 2023 to August 31, 2024.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the GAHP, you must work 195 hours per semester in an eligible position and you must be properly registered for the number of credits required for your job class or appointment. 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. Learn more and find detailed eligibility information.

Costs

Coverage Costs for Graduate Assistants

The cost (premium) per month is $651.55.

Your account will be charged $195.47 at the beginning of each semester.

The remaining monthly balance will be paid as follows: The University share of the $618.97 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 ($309.48 per month), which is billed once at the beginning of the semester to your student account. If you hold a 50% appointment, the University will pay the entire $618.97. Percentages are based on how many hours are worked per semester.

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 $651.55. Departments will need to add the surcharge of $46.00 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, $195.47 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 $195.47 by cash, check, debit, or credit card. 

Dependent Rates

Academic Year 2023-2024

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 of time. Please prepare for the due dates of the premiums in advance. 

GAHP Dependent Rates Plan 1

Dependent(s)	Cost Per Month
Spouse	$128.28
One child	$130.34
Two or more children	$182.78
Family	$297.12

GAHP Dependent Rates Plan 2

Dependent(s)	Cost Per Month
Spouse	$200.08
One child	$202.14
Two or more children	$236.41
Family	$384.95

Enrollment

Graduate Assistant Status	Enrollment Action
New graduate assistants, fellows, and trainees	To receive benefits, you must complete the enrollment process by September 28, 2023, 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 must be re-enrolled each plan year. You must re-enroll your dependents by September 28, 2023.
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.

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)
• Department Authorization Form (pdf) (for fellows and trainees only)
• Enrollment Brochure (pdf)

Contact Information