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Bridgewater State University
STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN

Annual Late Waiver Appeal Form
2026-2027 Academic Year

To ensure that all full time and three-quarter time college students have adequate medical insurance while pursuing their academic goals, state law requires that students have coverage, either through the Bridgewater State University Student Health Plan or another United States-based carrier offering comparable coverage.

State law requires all registered students show proof of comparable coverage. If you are an undergraduate taking 9 or more credits, or a graduate student taking 7 or more credits, you will be automatically billed for the Student Health Plan on your tuition bill unless proof of comparable coverage via the Fall 2026 Late Waiver Appeal Form is furnished by the deadline.

You must complete a Fall 2026 Late Waiver Appeal Form and provide proof of comparable and continuous coverage to appeal the student health plan charge. Failure to complete a Late Waiver Appeal Form will result in enrollment in the Student Health Plan. Appeal decisions may take up to 2 weeks.

PLEASE NOTE: Health Safety Net, MassHealth Limited, and Children's Medical Security Plan cannot be used to waive the Student Health Plan. Additionally, foreign-based insurance companies and travel insurance are not allowable according to Massachusetts law (including all ISO Health Insurance Plans).

You may enter only one decision through this system. 

If you have experienced a qualifying event, such as a loss of other coverage, you may qualify for special enrollment rights. Please refer to the Qualifying Event Enrollment Form in the navigation menu on this page. 

CONTINUING THE WAIVER PROCESS:

To continue the Annual Late Waiver Appeal process, you will need your Bear ID number which can be found on your tuition bill. This ID number is not your social security number nor your Connect Card number. Please enter your Bear ID below.

By continuing the waiver process, you are confirming that:

  1. You have reviewed your current health benefits and they meet or exceed the requirements of the student health insurance plan.
  2. You agree to the terms stated above.
  3. You are choosing to waive coverage in the Student Health Plan provided by Bridgewater State University, University Health Plans, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts.

Asterisk (*) denotes required field

 (MM/DD/YYYY)

 

Student Health Plan

Optional Plans

Additional Information

Important Update: 2026-2027 Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)

Due to rising healthcare costs and increased use of the plan, the following updates have been made for the 2026-2027 academic year to help keep coverage affordable and sustainable for students.

Key Changes:

  • Plan type changing from PPO to EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization)
    • No need to select a Primary Care Physician (PCP)
    • No referrals required for specialists
    • Students must use providers in-network
    • Out-of-network services are not covered, except in emergencies
    • To find an in-network provider, use the BCBS provider search and select "PPO or EPO"
  • Cost-sharing updates:
    • Inpatient hospital care: coinsurance increases from 20% to 30% after deductible
    • Outpatient surgery: coinsurance increases from 20% to 30% after deductible
  • Imaging services (CT/PET scans, MRIs):
    • Now a $250 copay (replacing the previous 20% coinsurance after deductible)
  • Fitness and weight loss rewards have been discontinued

Additional consideration:

Students who expect higher out-of-pocket costs may want to compare other coverage options. The Massachusetts Health Connector offers an online marketplace where you can explore plans and see if you qualify for low or no-cost coverage.

I have read and acknowledge the above statements

Prescription Drug Search

Your plan uses the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Formulary — Focused

The Focused Formulary does not cover GLP-1 medications approved for weight loss, including but not limited to Saxenda, liraglutide, Wegovy, and Zepbound.

GLP-1 medications that are FDA-approved to treat diabetes will continue to be covered.

To search for medications, click HERE.

Step 1: Select the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Formulary.

Screenshot of form - step 1

Step 2: Search for your medication by name and select the 5-Tier Plan.

Screenshot of form - step 1

University Health Plans Broker License # 000123936000
William E. Devine Broker License # 34773