About Health Insurance for Vermont Students

Health insurance and immunization of students is mandatory in many Vermont schools. Vermont students can obtain health insurance through participation on their parents' individual or group insurance plans, through school-sponsored programs and through government-funded programs. Health care reform allows children to remain on their parents' plan into adulthood. Parents should seek out the many options available to provide affordable and comprehensive health insurance for their dependents.

Affordable Care Act

• A provision in the Affordable Care Act allows students under the age of 26 to remain on their parents' health insurance policy if they cannot obtain group health insurance through an employer. The student does not have to be full time or unmarried. Vermont does not have any regulations that extend or provide for student coverage, but as of September 2010, they must follow the Affordable Care Act provision for student dependents. In 2014, the provision will eliminate the eligibility requirement that students with other group health options cannot remain on their parents' plan. After 2014, they can remain on the plan despite eligibility for other coverage.

University of Vermont

• The University of Vermont requires that all undergraduate students taking nine or more credits and all graduate students taking 12 or more credits must have health insurance coverage. UVM offers the Student Health Insurance Plan, UVM SHIP, or you can obtain insurance elsewhere through an employer or by purchasing an individual health policy. The UVM SHIP is administered through University Health Plans, Inc. and offers comprehensive coverage, such as routine and behavioral health care at the campus' health center and services related to injury or illness. Optional riders for vision, dental and high-dollar costs can be added on to the plan at an additional cost.

Dr. Dynasaur

• Dr. Dynasaur is a Vermont children's health insurance program available to children and teenagers up to the age of 18 and pregnant women with financial need. Services, such as routine and preventive care, prescription drugs, behavioral health services, dental and vision care and full coverage for illness and accidents, are available at low or no cost to Vermont children. Dr. Dynasaur, administered by Green Mountain Care, determines premium cost based on the number of family members and income. Parents and students can call Green Mountain Care for information about the plan and how to apply.

Bottom Line

• Access to health care for Vermont students is obtainable through various channels. In addition to coverage through a parent's plan, government and school programs, individual coverage may be an option. Private individual policies are available through most national and regional health insurance carriers. Though more expensive than other options, you will have a greater choice of flexibility in plans and benefits covered. The Vermont Department of Banking, Insurance, Securities and Health Care Administration provides consumer resources for parents and students seeking health insurance in the state on their website or by calling direct.