Dear [Student Name],

The MHPA Program will not be available to you through [SCHOOL NAME] for the 2020-2021 academic year. Your last day of coverage in the BCBS SHIP will be [DATE].

What does this mean?

All benefits provided by your current 2019-2020 BCBS SHIP will end on [DATE] and MassHealth will become your primary insurance if your MassHealth benefits are active. You can contact MassHealth Customer Service at 800-841-2900 to confirm your MassHealth benefits are active later this summer. Ask MassHealth to verify your "last determination in the HIX system".

How you access your MassHealth benefits will change.

What happens next?

• If you are eligible for MassHealth and your MassHealth is active
  • You will have access to the MassHealth Network when your BCBS SHIP ends.
  • MassHealth will assign you an Accountable Care Organization (ACO) to replace your SHIP on or soon after [DATE]. The provider and behavioral health networks can vary from ACO to ACO so it is important to review your assignment and make changes if necessary within the 90 day selection period. MassHealth will mail you an enrollment package in August, but you can view and compare plan information HERE or call MassHealth Customer Service at 800-841-2900 starting on [DATE] to expedite your ACO election.
     
• If you are eligible and your MassHealth is inactive, work with MassHealth to reinstate your benefits before your last day of coverage in the MHPA Program on [DATE], to avoid being uninsured. Once you are active, follow the instructions above starting [DATE].
   
• If MassHealth advises you are not eligible, ask if you are eligible for a subsidized health plan through the Massachusetts Health Connector. Note: plans through the Health Connector are not MassHealth. You need to complete the enrollment process with the Health Connector. Deadlines apply.
   
• If you are not eligible for MassHealth or a subsidized health plan through the Massachusetts Health Connector, you will need to purchase health insurance.
  • If you are eligible for a SHIP, purchasing the SHIP may provide you with the most cost effective plan with strong benefits.
  • If you are not eligible for a SHIP, evaluate your enrollment options through the Massachusetts Health Connector, your employer or your parents. Your involuntary loss of coverage through the MHPA Program may trigger special enrollment rights to enroll in another plan outside of the regular open enrollment period.

​How do I select a MassHealth ACO?

• You have a 90 day plan selection period to choose an ACO that meets your geographical and health needs. If your home address is geographically different than your school address, discuss this with MassHealth to ensure you select an appropriate ACO.
   
• MassHealth may auto assign you to a plan during your plan selection period if you do not take action. After your 90 day plan selection period has closed, you will be in your fixed enrollment period and may only change your plan in very limited circumstances.

​IMPORTANT: After your BCBS SHIP ends and you’ve selected a MassHealth ACO or secured other health coverage, your network of providers and benefits may change. Any prior authorizations under your SHIP will not carry over. Please contact your provider to initiate new prior authorizations with your new ACO. Before making a health plan decision, review all options carefully to ensure the plan you choose has the provider network and benefits that suit your healthcare needs.

Can I waive the SHIP next academic year?

Students mandated to have the insurance will be automatically enrolled in and charged for the SHIP for the 2020-2021 academic year. If you are enrolled in an insurance plan that meets [SCHOOL NAME] waiver requirements, you may opt out by submitting a waiver form by the deadline.

If you have questions about MassHealth please contact MassHealth Customer Service at 800-841-2900. If you have questions about the enrollment and waiver process please contact University Health Plans at 800-437-6448 or info@univhealthplans.com.

Thank you,

University Health Plans