Transitioning Off NU-SHIP Coverage
While finishing your time at Northwestern is an exciting and rewarding event, it comes with a new set of challenges and questions that you will need to navigate. One of those questions is maintaining health insurance when you are no longer a student.
- If you are enrolled in the NU-SHIP for the full year, your coverage extends to 8/31/2023, even if you graduate before that date. There are a number of health insurance options that might be available to you after August 31.
- If you are being hired by a new employer, you should be eligible to enroll in an employer-sponsored health insurance plan within 31 days of your hire date.
- If you are under the age of 26 you are eligible to enroll in your parent’s insurance coverage. Your parents will need to request that you be added to their coverage due to a qualifying life event (loss of other insurance).
- Depending on your household income and size, you may be eligible to enroll in Medicaid. Please visit the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services website to see if you are eligible.
-
You can get immediate coverage with Short Term Health Insurance, including many of the same benefits as an ACA compliant plan for a fraction of the cost. Since Short Term Health Insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions, it doesn’t meet Northwestern University’s requirement for comparable coverage, but may be a great option during a time of transition.
Click here for a quote and to enroll in a Short Term Health Insurance plan.
Questions? Call Benefit Partners Group at (877) 247-8817
- Losing your NU-SHIP coverage qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period in which you are able to enroll in an Affordable Care Act (ACA) exchange plan. Please visit www.healthcare.gov to evaluate your options and enrollment processes.