Student Policies

University Policy Number 6001

Subject: Health Insurance for Graduate Students

Responsible Parties: Office of the Provost

Procedures: http://provost.gmu.edu/support/sghi/index.html

Related University Policies: Not Applicable

---

I. SCOPE

This policy outlines health insurance coverage available to eligible (defined in Section III below) George Mason University graduate students.

II. POLICY STATEMENT

The purpose of this policy is to fund up to 100% University-subsidized health insurance for eligible graduate students.

III. DEFINITIONS

Eligible Graduate Student-The student is a Ph.D. (doctoral) or M.F.A. (Master of Fine Arts) student who meets all of the following conditions:

1. The student is a full time student as defined by the University Catalog and

2. The student is supported by a tuition waiver or grant (covering enough credits to support the student’s full time course load) and

3. The student is appointed to a graduate assistantship(s) with a stipend of at least $10,000 per academic year. The assistantship(s) must cover both the fall and spring semesters.

Length of Coverage - The University will fund  up to three cumulative years of health insurance coverage for eligible graduate students who meet the eligibility requirements as of the last day of each online health insurance enrollment period. Academic units may extend the time of coverage at their own expense; however, federal funding sources may not be used to pay for extended coverage unless extended coverage is provided by the specific school or college to all of its eligible graduate students.

IV. RESPONSIBILITIES

The Office of the Provost will publish procedures and schedules  for units to follow in order  to implement the provision of health insurance for its eligible students.

Each school, college and institute is responsible for submitting a list of eligible graduate students for health insurance coverage in accordance with the published procedures and schedules.

Eligible graduate students must enroll in the health insurance plan according to the procedures and guidelines established by the Office of the Provost and the health insurance provider.

All sponsored proposals that include funding for eligible graduate students as defined above on and after July 1, 2009, will include the cost of provision of health insurance charged proportionately with the assistantship stipend, which represents level of effort.

V. OTHER INFORMATION

The University will determine the percentage of the premium that will be covered on an annual basis. While the intent is to pay 100% of the premium each year, the University reserves the right to reduce this commitment in the event of premium increases or financial exigency. Dependent coverage will not be funded  under this health insurance subsidy; however, eligible graduate students enrolled in the plan may acquire dependent coverage at their own expense.

VI. COMPLIANCE

The health insurance subsidy is non-transferable and non-refundable. Unused subsidies cannot be refunded.

VII. EFFECTIVE DATE AND APPROVAL

This policy is effective as of July 1, 2009 and was revised on September 22, 2009. This policy will be reviewed one year after implementation, and subsequently reviewed and revised as needed.

Approved:

_______________________
Maurice W. Scherrens
Senior Vice President

________________________
Peter N. Stearns
Provost

Date approved: November 11, 2008

Revised: April 13, 2009

Revision of 9/22/09 Approved: October 6, 2009