Academic Graduate Student Employee Insurance Options

This information only applies to benefits eligible academic graduate student (AGS) employees. Learn more about AGS employee insurance options, enrollment, and health plans by carefully reviewing the information provided on this web page.

Graduate Student Fellows should review the Insurance for Graduate Student Fellows webpage for more information about their insurance options.

AGS Employment

Benefits Eligibility Criteria

An AGS employee is benefits eligible if expected to work in one or a combination of the following AGS job titles for at least 20 scheduled weekly hours (SWH) and for at least 4.5 months (135 calendar days):

• G0045 Assistant Instructor
• G0061 Teaching Assistant (SI)
• G0062 Teaching Assistant-NSC
• G0063 Teaching Assistant
• G0064 Graduate Tutor
• G0065 Academic Assistant
• G0071 Graduate Assistant
• G0090 Graduate Research Assistant

Part-Time & Full-Time Insurance Status

The scheduled weekly hours (SWH) for AGS employees determines their part-time or full-time status for insurance purposes.

• Part-time AGS employees are scheduled for 20-29 total SWH, with at least 20 SWH in AGS job titles.
• Full-time AGS employees are scheduled for 30+ total SWH, with at least 20 SWH in AGS job titles.
  • Certain benefits eligible AGS employees may have less than 30 SWH and still be considered full-time for insurance purposes. If they worked at least 1,560 hours in a previous 12-month Affordable Care Act (ACA) measurement period, they will qualify as ACA full-time for a future 12-month ACA stability period

Insurance Funding

AcademicBlue Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)

UT provides all eligible AGS employees with 100% premium support for AcademicBlue SHIP, the student health insurance plan.  UT Austin also provides 50% premium support for dependent coverage, with AGS employees paying the remaining 50% of their dependent premiums directly to Academic Health Plans, the plan administrator, on a monthly basis.

September 1, 2022 – August 31, 2023 Plan Year	Monthly Premium Support	Monthly AGS Employee Premium Amount
Subscriber Only	$277.00	$0.00
Subscriber + Spouse	$415.50	$138.50
Subscriber + Child(ren)	$498.50	$221.50
Subscriber + Family	$637.00	$360.00

UT Select

UT provides premium sharing for all employees based upon scheduled weekly hours (SWH) for UT Select, the employee health plan. 

Part-time (20-29 SWH) AGS employees will receive 50% premium sharing for UT Select and 25% premium sharing for dependent coverage. Full-time (30+ SWH) AGS employees will receive 100% premium sharing for UT Select and 50% premium sharing for dependent coverage.

AGS employees with UT Select will pay their premium costs for part-time and/or dependent coverage through monthly or semi-monthly payroll deduction.

UT Select & AcademicBlue SHIP Premium Comparison

The following UT Select and AcademicBlue SHIP rates for AGS employees are valid for the September 1, 2022 - August 31, 2023 plan year:

	UT Select		Academic Blue
Level of Coverage	Monthly Premium for Part-time Employees	Monthly Premium for Full-time Employees	Monthly Premium for All AGS Employees
Subscriber Only	$337.58	$0.00	$0.00
Subscriber + Spouse	$805.22	$290.70	$138.50
Subscriber + Child(ren)	$754.84	$304.04	$221.00
Subscriber + Family	$1,201.26	$572.46	$360.00

Other Employee Group Insurance Plan Funding

Regardless of health plan enrollment, AGS employees may elect other plans available in the employee group insurance program for themselves and for some plans, their eligible dependents.  These plans include:

• Dental
• Vision
• Voluntary Term Life
• Voluntary Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
• Disability
• UT Flex Flexible Spending Accounts

Premiums for these plans are paid through monthly or semi-monthly payroll deduction.

Premium Sharing Credit

An AGS employee may receive dental, vision and AD&D coverage at no premium cost if enrolled in another health plan, including AcademicBlue SHIP.  Part-time AGS employees are automatically enrolled in the Premium Sharing Credit Plan.  Full-time AGS employees must decline UT Select and enroll in the Premium Sharing Credit plan.  Up to half of the eligible UT Select premium sharing dollars are available to pay the dental, vision and AD&D premiums for AGS employees and their dependents.

The following premium sharing credit amounts are valid for the September 1, 2022 - August 31, 2023 plan year.

Employment Status	Monthly Premium Sharing Credit Available
Part-time (20-29 SWH)	$168.79
Full-time (30+ SWH)	$337.58

Health Insurance Coverage

AcademicBlue SHIP

AcademicBlue SHIP is designed and priced for students, so premiums are lower than UT Select, and for services at University Health Services, benefits are paid at 100% of the allowable amount for covered expenses. 

Learn more about the plan by reviewing the documents below, along with other resources available on the AcademicBlue SHIP website.

• Plan Highlight Flyer
• Brochure/Master Policy
• Summary of Benefit Coverage
• Academic Emergency Services
• Telehealth and Behavioral Health Services
• Mental Health Resources

UT Select

Learn more about the plan by reviewing the documents below, along with other resources available on the UT System Office of Employee Benefits and UT Select websites.

• 2022-23 UT Select Health Benefits At-a-Glance
• 2021-22 Plan Guide
• 2021-22 PPO Network Summary of Benefits and Coverage
• 2021-22 Out-of-Area Network Summary of Benefits and Coverage (applies when primary U.S. mail address of record in Workday is outside of Texas, New Mexico or Washington D.C.
• Benefits While You Travel
• UT Health Network
• Living Well Program

AcademicBlue SHIP & UT Select Plan Comparison

Review the Comparison Chart for a side-by-side comparison of the cost of care and premium costs.  The plan year for both plans is September 1 – August 31.

Key Similarities

• BlueChoice PPO Nationwide Network
• BlueCross BlueShield Global Core (formerly BlueCard Worldwide)
• Gold-level Plan Rating
• Copayments for Office Visits and Urgent Care
• Prescription Drug Benefits
• Behavioral Health Care
• Virtual Visits
• 24/7 Nurseline
• Blue Access for Members (BAM) Account Access
• Out-of-Network Benefits
• No Pre-existing Condition Limitation
• No Annual or Lifetime Maximum Benefit
• Annual Out-of-Pocket Maximum

Key Differences

These coverage differences assume AGS employees are using network providers.

Coverage	AcademicBlue SHIP	UT Select
Plan Type	Individual Plan (Fully-Insured)	Employer Group Plan (Self-Insured)
University Health Services	Copayment, coinsurance and deductible waived and benefits paid at 100% of allowable amount of covered expenses	Reduced $10 copayment for office visits and reduced $25 copayment for procedures as part of UT Health Network
Copayments	Review the Comparison Chart for details	Reduced when using the UT Health Network; review the Comparison Chart for details
Diagnostic Lab and X-Ray	$350 individual deductible and 20% member coinsurance apply	Included in Office Visit Copayment
Coinsurance Maximum (coinsurance applies after $350 individual/$1,050 family deductible is met)	Not applicable; coinsurance is paid until annual out-of-pocket maximum is met	$3,500 Individual
Annual Out-of-Pocket Maximum	$8,700 Individual/$17,400 Family	$8,550 Individual/$17,100 Family
Out-of-Area Benefits	Not applicable; network or out-of-network benefits apply regardless of primary U.S. mail address in Workday	Applies when primary U.S mail address in Workday is outside of Texas, New Mexico or Washington, D.C.
Pharmacy Provider	Prime Therapeutics Prescription Drug List; Contraceptive Drug List	Express Scripts Prescription Drug List
Prescription Drug Deductible	Not applicable; copayments apply	$200 per person per plan year, then copayments
Prescription Specialty Drugs	20% coinsurance	Variable based upon drug

If you were enrolled in AcademicBlue SHIP for the 2021-2022 plan year and experience increased out-of-pocket costs compared to UT Select, you may be eligible to apply for the Graduate School's Health Care Assistance Fund.

Summer Insurance Eligibility

Teaching Assistants and Assistant Instructors

Benefits eligible AGS employees may retain summer insurance eligibility if:

• They have Teaching Assistant (TA) or Assistant Instructor (AI) jobs on May 31; and
• They are expected to have benefits eligible employment for the subsequent fall term.

Summer insurance eligible TAs and AIs will retain the same part-time or full-time status during the summer that they had on May 31, unless they increase their summer SWH and qualify for full-time status.  UT will continue to contribute to the cost of summer insurance coverage.

Summer Anchor Jobs are critical for certain TA or AI employees to maintain their summer insurance eligibility until they return to benefits eligible employment in the fall.  Review the table below to determine if a Summer Anchor Job is required.  Summer Anchor Jobs should be 0 SWH and use the Regular Benefits Eligible – Graduate Student Academic employee type.

Summer Job Status	Summer Anchor Job
No summer work hours*	Required; will otherwise lose benefits eligibility
Benefits eligible AGS job*	Not required (okay to use)
Non-benefits eligible job*	Required; will otherwise lose benefits eligibility
Benefits eligible faculty and staff job*	No; will otherwise transition to faculty/staff eligibility

*If more than one of these job statuses applies during the summer, the Summer Anchor Job may or may not be needed for part of the summer.

AGS employee insurance coverage will end on May 31 for TAs and AIs who are either graduating in May or not returning to benefits eligible employment in the fall (graduate student fellowships are not benefits eligible employment).  Review Loss of Eligibility & Continuation of Coverage for insurance options.

Graduate Research Assistants & Other AGS Job Titles

AGS employees in Graduate Research Assistant and other AGS job titles during spring, excluding TA or AI jobs, must have benefits eligible jobs during the summer to remain benefits eligible.

If benefits eligible employment does not continue for the summer months, review Loss of Eligibility & Continuation of Coverage for insurance options.

Summer Insurance Premiums

AGS Employees Enrolled in AcademicBlue SHIP

All benefits eligible AGS employees enrolled during the summer will continue to receive 100% premium support for their coverage and 50% premium support for their dependent coverage.  AGS employees will continue to pay their 50% dependent premium directly to Academic Health Plans on a monthly basis. 

AGS Employees Enrolled in Employee Group Insurance Plans

Employee group insurance plans include UT Select, premium sharing credit, dental, vision, AD&D, life, disability and UT Flex. 

Benefits eligible Graduate Research Assistants and other AGS job titles, excluding TA or AI, will continue to pay any employee group insurance plan premiums due through semi-monthly or monthly payroll deduction.

Summer insurance eligible TA and AI employees will pre-pay any employee group insurance plan premiums due for June – August, in addition to May, on their June 1 paycheck.  They may determine the premium amount due on the June 1 paycheck by following the steps below:

• Log in to My UT Benefits
• Review Your benefits at a glance
  • Total all monthly amounts, except UT Flex, and multiply by four to determine the June 1 paycheck premium deduction
  • If employee group insurance premiums due, minus UT Flex, totals $0 per month, the pre-payment will be $0

Pre-payment Cancellation

The summer insurance pre-payment for summer insurance eligible TAs and AIs may be canceled if either:

• A summer job for at least 20 SWH and for June 1 – August 31 is completed in Workday by May 20, or
• A job transaction resulting in loss of AGS employee eligibility effective May 31 or earlier is completed in Workday by May 20.

If it is not possible for a summer job to be added to Workday by May 20, TAs and AIs must submit a Cancellation of Pre-Payment for Summer Insurance Coverage form and provide confirmation from their department about a summer job that is at least 20 SWH for June 1 – August 31.

Employees may view their My Insurance Premium Calendar in Workday to confirm how they will pay their summer insurance premiums for the employee group insurance plans:

• Log in to Workday
• Click View All Apps
• Click Benefits Dashboard
• Review My Insurance Premium Calendar

Loss of Eligibility & Continuation of Coverage

AcademicBlue SHIP

AGS employees lose premium support eligibility when benefits eligible employment ends.  AcademicBlue SHIP coverage will be canceled at the end of the month of the benefits eligible employment termination date.  If still eligible for AcademicBlue SHIP due to their student status, these students may enroll in AcademicBlue SHIP in the Academic Health Plans voluntary student enrollment system and pay Academic Health Plans directly for their coverage.  Enrollment in voluntary student coverage must be completed within 31 days of the cancellation date.

If no longer eligible for AcademicBlue SHIP as a student, these individuals may enroll in three-month continuation coverage in the Academic Health Plans enrollment system and pay Academic Health Plans directly for their coverage.  Enrollment in continuation coverage must be completed within 31 days of the cancellation date.

UT Select

AGS employees lose eligibility for UT Select and other employee group insurance plans (dental, vision, etc.) when benefits eligible employment ends.  Coverage will be canceled at the end of the month of the benefits eligible employment termination date.  These graduate students may elect COBRA continuation coverage for UT Select, dental and/or vision coverage.  Review COBRA Continuation Coverage for more details.

F-1 or J-1 International Students

F-1 or J-1 international students who lose premium support eligibility will be enrolled in AcademicBlue SHIP by International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) and the full premium cost will be added to their tuition and fee bill.  To expedite their enrollment, they may email ISSS at intlinsurance@austin.utexas.edu to request their insurance waiver be voided.  They will need to separately enroll their dependents in the Academic Health Plans international student enrollment system after ISSS completes their enrollment and pay the dependent premium cost directly to Academic Health Plans.  Dependent enrollment must be completed within 31 days of the cancellation date. 

Graduate Student Fellows

AGS employees transitioning to graduate student fellowships may enroll in AcademicBlue SHIP voluntary student coverage in the Academic Health Plans voluntary student enrollment system and pay Academic Health Plans directly for their coverage.  Enrollment must be completed within 31 days of their cancellation date.

Graduate student fellows with a qualifying fellowship may elect UT Select, dental or vision coverage.  Review Insurance for Graduate Student Fellows for more details.

HealthCare.gov Marketplace

AGS employees who lose coverage may also explore the health insurance and enrollment options available through the Federal Health Insurance Marketplace at Healthcare.gov.  The Marketplace offers health insurance plans for a variety of needs, and depending upon their income, graduate students may qualify for premium tax credits that they can use to lower the cost of their monthly premiums.  For additional information about Marketplace Plans or plan enrollment, graduate students may use one of the many contact options available through HealthCare.gov.

Workday Payslip Information

Employer Paid Benefits

You may see dollar amounts listed under the Employer Paid Benefits section of your payslip.  These dollar amounts are the university's contribution toward the premium cost of your insurance.  They are not deductions for pay, and are not taxable benefits.  Depending upon your specific plan enrollment, you payslip may include the following items in the Employer Paid Benefits section:

For AcademicBlue SHIP Enrollment:

• AcademicBlue SHIP Premium Support (100% for you and 50% for your dependents)

For Premium Sharing Credit enrollment with dental, vision, and/or AD&D enrollment:

• Dental Insurance - Premium Support
• Vision Insurance - Premium Support
• AD&D - Accidental Death/Dismemberment Insurance - Subscriber Premium Sharing
• AD&D - Accidental Death/Dismemberment Insurance - Spouse Premium Sharing
• AD&D - Accidental Death/Dismemberment Insurance - Dependent Premium Sharing

For UT Select Medical Plan Enrollment:

• Insurance - Medical - Employer

Employee Paid Benefits

You may see dollar amount listed under the Pre-Tax Deductions or Post Tax Deductions section of your payslip.  These amounts are deductions from your pay on a pre- or post-tax basis, as indicated.  Depending upon your specific plan enrollment, you may have premium deductions for the following plans:

• UT Select Medical (your 50% part-time premium and/or your dependent premium)
• Delta Dental*
• Superior Vision*
• Voluntary AD&D*
• Voluntary Term Life
• Disability
• UT FLEX

* If not yet enrolled in or not eligible for the Premium Sharing Credit plan.

If you are enrolled in AcademicBlue SHIP with dependent coverage, you pay your 50% dependent premium directly to Academic Health Plans on a monthly basis.  These premiums will not appear on your payslip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Enrollment for Newly Benefits Eligible AGS Employees 2022-2023

As a full-time AGS employee automatically enrolled in UT Select, how do I switch to AcademicBlue SHIP?

You will need to decline UT Select in the My UT Benefits enrollment system.  You will then need to elect AcademicBlue SHIP in the Academic Health Plans enrollment system.  These elections must be completed by the end of your 31 day initial enrollment period.

As a part-time AGS employee automatically enrolled in AcademicBlue SHIP, how do I switch to UT Select?

You will need to waive AcademicBlue SHIP coverage in the Academic Health Plans waiver system.  You will then need to elect UT Select in the My UT Benefits enrollment system.  These elections must be completed by the end of your 31 day initial enrollment period.

How do I elect dental, vision and AD&D insurance coverage at no premium cost?

You must be enrolled in AcademicBlue SHIP or another health plan, such as through a parent, spouse, or the Healthcare.gov Marketplace.

If you are a part-time AGS employee, you are automatically enrolled in the Premium Sharing Credit plan in the My UT Benefits enrollment system.   You will need to elect a dental plan, a vision plan, and/or the voluntary AD&D plan.  These elections must be completed by the end of your initial enrollment period.

If you are a full-time AGS employee, you will need to decline UT Select in the My UT Benefits enrollment system and then elect the Premium Sharing Credit plan.  You will receive a notice within the My UT Benefits enrollment system that you must upload documentation of your other health plan coverage.  If you are enrolled in AcademicBlue SHIP, you may skip this step.  If you are enrolled in another health plan, you must upload documentation of that coverage.  You will then need to elect a dental plan, a vision plan, and/or the voluntary AD&D plan.  These elections must be completed by the end of your initial enrollment period. 

Why haven’t my dental, vision and/or voluntary AD&D premiums changed after I elected the premium sharing credit plan?

If you are a part-time AGS employee, you will immediately see adjusted premiums when you enroll in dental, vision and/or voluntary AD&D plans.

If you are a full-time AGS employee, your premiums for dental, vision and/or voluntary AD&D plans do not immediately change after you elect the premium sharing credit plan.  Your premium sharing credit plan requires approval.  The approval process occurs several times during the enrollment period, prior to each semi-monthly and monthly payroll, to ensure your dental, vision and/or voluntary AD&D premiums are correct on your payslip.  After the approval is completed, you can view your premium changes in My UT Benefits.

How do I add dependent coverage?

If enrolled in AcademicBlue SHIP, you will need to add dependents in the Academic Health Plans enrollment system by the end of your 31 day initial enrollment period.  You will need to attest to their eligibility for coverage and may be asked to provide documentation of their eligibility as dependents at a later time.

If enrolled in UT Select, you will need to add dependents in the My UT Benefits enrollment system by the end of your 31 day initial enrollment period.  You will need to upload documentation to verify their eligible dependent status.  Review Evidence of Eligibility to learn more about document requirements.

Which enrollment systems do I need to use?

AGS employees may need to use multiple insurance systems, including:

System	Event	Applicable Plans
Academic Health Plans enrollment system	Elect coverage for self, if full-time, or dependents	AcademicBlue SHIP
Academic Health Plans waiver system	Waive coverage for self, if part-time	AcademicBlue SHIP
Academic Health Plans student portal	View coverage and more	AcademicBlue SHIP
Blue Access for Members (BAM)	BlueCross Blue Shield of Texas system to print or download temporary ID card, view health coverage, view benefits and claims, and more (separate registrations required for each health plan)	AcademicBlue SHIP UT Select
My UT Benefits	Enrollment system – elect, decline or view coverage	UT Select Premium Sharing Credit Dental Vision Voluntary Term Life Voluntary AD&D Disability UT FLEX

What should I do if I can’t log into the enrollment systems?

You will not have access to the enrollment systems prior to your hire date.  If you can’t access the enrollment systems after your hire date, review Enrollment Prerequisites under Insurance Enrollment to ensure you have completed all required onboarding tasks.  If these tasks do not appear in your Workday inbox, please contact your department regarding the status of your Workday hire process.  UT will not send your information to the enrollment systems until your hire process is complete and you have completed all required onboarding tasks in Workday.

After UT sends your information to the enrollment systems, you will be sent emails within one to two business days. Though the timing may differ, you will receive emails from both Academic Health Plans and My UT Benefits.  Receipt of the following emails indicates that you have been enrolled or are eligible to enroll in insurance, and have been granted access to the enrollment system:

Part-Time AGS Employees

To	From	Subject	System Access
New part-time AGS employees automatically enrolled	Academic HealthPlans (do-not-reply@ahpcare.com)	Welcome to AcademicBlue Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)	Academic Health Plans enrollment system Academic Health Plans waiver system
New part-time AGS employees with opportunity to enroll	hrsc@austin.utexas.edu	Enrollment Opportunity for UT Select Employee Health Insurance Plan, Dental, Vision & Other Plans	My UT Benefits

Full-Time AGS Employees

To	From	Subject	System Access
New full-time AGS employees with opportunity to enroll	Academic HealthPlans (do-not-reply@ahpcare.com)	Enrollment Opportunity for AcademicBlue Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)	Academic Health Plans enrollment system
New full-time AGS employees automatically enrolled	hrsc@austin.utexas.edu	Welcome to the UT Select Employee Health Insurance Plan	My UT Benefits

What if I am a newly benefits eligible AGS employee for the fall and need coverage prior to September 1?

If you are a new AGS employee and new to AcademicBlue SHIP coverage, AcademicBlue SHIP GAP coverage is available at full premium cost to you for the month of August.  You will need to enroll in the Academic Health Plans enrollment system between July 15 – August 31.  If you don’t enroll by August 1, your coverage will be effective as of your payment date.  If you are not enrolled in AcademicBlue SHIP effective September 1 as an AGS employee, your August GAP coverage will be rescinded by Academic Health Plans.

Even if you buy August GAP coverage for yourself and dependents, you are still considered a new AGS employee effective September 1, and will still need to enroll in AcademicBlue SHIP if you are a full-time AGS employee, and will also need to add dependents to your AGS employee coverage by October 1.

If I am a newly benefits eligible AGS employee for the spring, when does my coverage begin?

If you are a part-time AGS employee starting January 16, you will be automatically enrolled in AcademicBlue SHIP effective January 1.  Your January 1 coverage will not be activated until January 16 or later, depending upon when your hire process and required onboarding tasks are completed.

If you need to utilize care prior to the activation of your AcademicBlue SHIP, you may need to pay out of pocket and then submit a claim to BlueCross BlueShield of Texas once your coverage has been activated. If you utilize care at UHS in January prior to your activation of coverage effective January 1, please make UHS aware that your AcademicBlue SHIP coverage is pending at scheduling or check in.  UHS will not require you to pay out-of-pocket as long as your AcademicBlue SHIP coverage effective date is January 1.  If you schedule a Telehealth appointment online, you may be responsible for those charges, unless you contact UHS directly regarding your pending insurance coverage.

If you are a full-time AGS employee starting January 16, you will be automatically enrolled in UT Select effective January 16.  If you choose to decline UT Select and enroll in AcademicBlue SHIP, your AcademicBlue SHIP coverage will be effective January 1. If you choose to remain enrolled in UT Select, and lose voluntary or international SHIP coverage on December 31, you may purchase AcademicBlue SHIP Gap coverage for January.  Enrollment for Gap coverage is completed in the Academic Health Plans voluntary enrollment system.

All other employee group insurance plan coverage, including dental, vision, and voluntary AD&D will be effective January 16.   

Can I enroll in both Academic Blue and UT Select?

No, coverage is not permitted in both plans.

Continuing AGS Employees 2022-2023

Do I need to re-enroll in AcademicBlue SHIP each semester during the plan year?

No.  As long as you remain a continuous, benefits eligible AGS employee throughout the plan year, your AcademicBlue SHIP coverage and premium support will continue.  You will only be able to make a change to your coverage within 31 calendar days of a qualifying life event.  Review Mid-Year Change of Status Enrollment under Insurance Enrollment for more information.

You may also need to take action at the beginning of each plan year, depending upon your enrollment status.  Review Open/Annual Enrollment under Insurance Enrollment for more information.

When will my coverage end if my benefits eligible AGS employment doesn't continue after the end of the fall semester?

AGS employment for the fall semester generally ends January 15.  In this case, your coverage will end January 31.  If you remain a student or transition to a graduate student fellowship, you may enroll in voluntary AcademicBlue SHIP coverage within 31 days of your loss of coverage.  To enroll in voluntary AcademicBlue SHIP coverage effective February 1, choose the Students with a Qualifying Life Event option on the Academic Health Plans voluntary enrollment webpage.

If you are an F-1 or J-1 international student or are no longer a student or fellow, review Loss of Eligibility & Continuation of Coverage for your insurance options.

When will my coverage end if my benefits eligible AGS employment doesn't continue after the end of the spring semester?

AGS employment for the spring semester generally ends May 31.  In this case, your coverage will end May 31.  If you remain a student or transition to a graduate student fellowship, you may enroll in voluntary AcademicBlue SHIP coverage effective June 1 during the voluntary summer enrollment period (May 1 - July 31) on the Academic Health Plans voluntary enrollment webpage.

If you are an F-1 or J-1 international student or are no longer a student or fellow, review Loss of Eligibility & Continuation of Coverage for your insurance options.

What happens to my coverage if my AGS employment changes from part-time to full-time?

A change from 20-29 SWH to 30+ SWH, results in a change from part-time to full-time insurance status.  You have 31 days from the date of your change to make elections.

If this change occurs on the first of the month, the plan changes described below are effective on the same first of the month date.  If this change occurs mid-month (after the first), the plan changes described below are effective the first of the following month. 

If enrolled in AcademicBlue SHIP at the time of this change, your AcademicBlue SHIP coverage will be canceled and you will be automatically enrolled in UT Select.  Your Premium Sharing Credit plan enrollment will also be canceled.  These changes occur because state statute requires all full-time employees to be automatically enrolled in UT Select.

If you would like to change back to AcademicBlue SHIP, you will need to re-enroll yourself and your dependents in AcademicBlue SHIP in the Academic Health Plans enrollment system.  You will also need to decline UT Select in the My UT Benefits enrollment system, and re-elect the Premium Sharing Credit plan to continue receiving your dental, vision and/or voluntary AD&D coverage at no premium cost.  To make dental and vision elections in My UT Benefits, use the “Loss of Academic Blue (UT Student Health Insurance Plan) life event, and be sure to follow the event date guidance to input the correct event date.

If you would like to remain with UT Select, you only need to take action in the My UT Benefits enrollment system if you need to add dependents to UT Select, or would like to make other changes to your employee group insurance plans, including dental and vision coverage.

If you take no action, you will remain enrolled in UT Select without dependent medical coverage and you will begin paying premiums for dental, vision and/or voluntary AD&D plans that you may have previously elected and received at no premium cost.

What happens to my coverage if my AGS employment changes from full-time to part-time?

A change from 30+ SWH to 20-29 SWH, results in a change from full-time to part-time insurance status, unless you qualify as ACA full-time.  Review Benefits Eligible Employment for more information about ACA full-time status.  You have 31 days from the date of your change to make elections.

If the full-time to part-time change occurs on the first of the month, the plan changes described below are effective on the same first of the month date.  If this change occurs mid-month (after the first), the plan changes described below are effective the first of the following month.

If enrolled in AcademicBlue SHIP at the time of this change, you and your dependents will remain enrolled in AcademicBlue SHIP.  You will either remain enrolled in the Premium Sharing Credit or be automatically enrolled with your new part-time premium sharing credit amount.  Review “Premium Sharing Credit” under Insurance Funding to confirm the new monthly credit amount.  You have the option to change your dental, vision and/or voluntary AD&D coverage if those premiums exceed your new premium sharing credit amount.  In My UT Benefits, use the “Gain of Academic Blue (UT Student Health Insurance Plan) on XX/XX/XXXX” event that automatically appears with this change.  “XX/XX/XXXX” will be your personal change date. 

If you take no action, you and your dependents will remain enrolled in AcademicBlue SHIP and you may begin paying premiums for dental, vision and/or voluntary AD&D plans if your new part-time premium sharing credit amount does not fully cover those premiums.

If enrolled in UT Select at the time of this change, your UT Select coverage will be canceled and you will be automatically enrolled in AcademicBlue SHIP.  This change occurs because UT Select for part-time employees has a premium cost and AcademicBlue SHIP is provided to AGS employees at no premium cost.

If you would like to remain with AcademicBlue SHIP, you will need to enroll dependents in the Academic Health Plans enrollment system.  If you are not enrolled in dental, vision, and voluntary AD&D plans and would like to receive coverage at no premium cost, you muse enroll in those plans in the My UT Benefits enrollment system.  In My UT Benefits, use the "Gain of Academic Blue (UT Student Health Insurance Plan) on XX/XX/XXXX" event that automatically appears with this change.  "XX/XX/XXXX will be your personal change date.

If you would like to change back to UT Select, you will need to re-elect coverage for yourself and your dependents in the My UT Benefits enrollment system.  You will also need to waive AcademicBlue SHIP in the Academic Health Plans waiver system.

If you take no action, you will remain enrolled in AcademicBlue SHIP without dependent coverage and you will continue paying premiums for any other employee group insurance coverage you may have previously elected, with the exception of dental, vision, and voluntary AD&D.  Because you are automatically enrolled in the Premium Sharing Credit plan, you may receive all or a portion of your dental, vision, and voluntary AD&D premiums at no cost.  Review "Premiums Sharing Credit" under Insurance Funding to confirm your monthly credit amount. 

Will I receive notification if my AGS employment changes from part-time to full-time or vice versa?

Though the timing may differ, you will receive emails from both Academic Health Plans and My UT Benefits.  Receipt of the following emails indicates that your status has changed and that you may proceed with enrollment changes:

Full-time to Part-time AGS Employment Change

To	From	Subject	System Access
Continuing AGS employees changing to part-time status with automatic enrollment	do-not-reply@ahpcare.com	Welcome to AcademicBlue Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)	Academic Health Plans enrollment system Academic Health Plans waiver system
Continuing AGS employees changing to part-time status with an opportunity to enroll	hrsc@austin.utexas.edu	Enrollment Opportunity (Full-time to Part-time Employment Status) – Action May be Required	My UT Benefits

Part-time to Full-time AGS Employment Change

To	From	Subject	System Access
Continuing AGS employees changing to full-time status with an opportunity to enroll	do-not-reply@ahpcare.com	Enrollment Opportunity for AcademicBlue Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)	Academic Health Plans enrollment system
Continuing AGS employees changing to full-time status with automatic enrollment	hrsc@austin.utexas.edu	Welcome to UT Select (Part-time to Full-time Employment Change) - Action May be Required	My UT Benefits

Why did my insurance coverage terminate even though I am still working?

Your job may have been terminated in Workday if your expected end date passed without a job extension, resulting in termination of your insurance coverage.  Please contact your Graduate Coordinator or HR Contact in your department so they can verify and initiate the process to reinstate your job.  If your job is reinstated at the same part-time or full-time status that you had, all of your insurance coverage should be reinstated.  If your job is reinstated with a change to your part-time or full-time status, see the FAQs below for more information about action you may need to take.

• What happens to my coverage if my AGS employment changes from part-time to full-time?
• What happens to my coverage if my AGS employment changes from full-time to part-time?

Why did I receive notification of a change to full-time, when I'm still part-time?

If your job changes aren’t completed in Workday prior to the employment start date of the new semester, outstanding job changes may result in a change to your part-time status.  Please contact your Graduate Coordinator or HR Contact in your department so they can verify and complete your job changes. 

Once your job changes are completed and your part-time status is restored, you will receive another notification about your change to part-time status.  If you were enrolled in AcademicBlue SHIP, your coverage should be reinstated.  If you were enrolled in UT Select, action is required in My UT Benefits to elect UT Select for yourself and your dependents, and in the the Academic Health plans waiver system to waive AcademicBlue SHIP.  Changes must be made within 31 days of receiving the notification of your part-time status, or you will remain enrolled in AcademicBlue SHIP.

Why did I receive notice of a change to part-time status, when I'm still full-time?

If your job changes aren’t completed in Workday prior to the employment start date of the new semester, outstanding job changes may result in a change to your full-time status.  Please contact your Graduate Coordinator or HR Contact in your department so they can verify and complete your job changes. 

Once your job changes are completed and your full-time status is restored, you will receive another notification about your change to full-time status and automatic enrollment in UT Select.  If you had UT Select dependent coverage, action is required in My UT Benefits to elect UT Select dependent coverage.

If you were enrolled in AcademicBlue SHIP, your coverage should be reinstated.  If you were enrolled in the Premium Sharing Credit plan, action is required in My UT Benefits to decline UT Select and elect the Premium Sharing Credit plan to continue receiving dental, vision and/or voluntary AD&D coverage at no premium cost. 

Changes must be made within 31 days of receiving the notice of your full-time status, or you will remain enrolled in UT Select subscriber only coverage.

Why haven't I received notification of my expected change to either full-time or part-time status?

Your job change may not have been completed in Workday prior to the effective date.  Once that is completed, your change will be sent to the enrollment vendors and you will receive email notifications within one to two days.  Please contact your Graduate Coordinator or HR Contact in your department so they can verify and complete your job change.

Please also verify that your email addresses in Workday are correct. 

Annual Enrollment 2022

When can I make insurance elections for the 2022 - 2023 plan year that starts September 1?

Enrollment Periods	Plans	Enrollment Systems
July 15 - July 31	Employee Group Insurance Plans: UT Select Medical Premium Sharing Credit Delta Dental Superior Vision AD&D Life Disability UT Flex	My UT Benefits
July 15 - October 1	AcademicBlue SHIP	Academic Health Plans Enrollment System Academic Health Plans Waiver System

What happens to my insurance coverage if I don’t do anything by the enrollment deadlines?

If you do not make changes to your UT Select Medical, Premium Sharing Credit, Delta Dental, Superior Vision, AD&D, Life or Disability coverage by July 31, your current elections will automatically continue.  UT Flex does not automatically continue.  You must elect UT Flex each year.

If you are currently enrolled in AcademicBlue SHIP with dependent coverage and do not elect dependent coverage by October 1, your dependent coverage will end August 31.  You must elect AcademicBlue SHIP dependent coverage each year. 

If you are currently enrolled in AcademicBlue SHIP and don’t have dependent coverage, your coverage will automatically continue for the new plan year.

If you are a part-time AGS employee and were automatically enrolled in AcademicBlue SHIP, but waived coverage for the 2021-2022 plan year, you must waive coverage again for the 2022-2023 plan year, or you will be automatically enrolled in coverage effective September 1, if you remain a part-time AGS employee.  Part-time AGS employees must waive AcademicBlue SHIP coverage each year, if they don’t want it.

I currently have AcademicBlue SHIP coverage for my dependents.  Do I need to re-enroll my dependents by October 1?

If you want dependent coverage for the 2022-2023 plan year, you must enroll your dependents in AcademicBlue SHIP by October 1, even if they are currently covered for the 2021-2022 plan year.  You must elect AcademicBlue SHIP dependent coverage each year.

Regardless of when you enroll your dependents during the July 15 – October 1 enrollment period, their coverage will be effective September 1; however, coverage may not be active on September 1 if you have not completed enrollment before that date.  To avoid a temporary gap in active coverage, consider enrolling your dependents by August 22. 

You will pay your 50% portion of the dependent premium for September 2022 coverage on the date you enroll or up to three business days later, once Academic HealthPlans approves coverage.  Your remaining monthly payments for 2022-2023 dependent coverage will begin on October 1 for October 2022 coverage and continue on the first of each month thereafter.

If you do not enroll your dependents by October 1, their coverage ends August 31 and only coverage for you will automatically continue effective September 1. 

If I enroll my dependents in AcademicBlue SHIP coverage for the 2022-2023 plan year, when will I start paying my 50% share of the dependent premium?

Your first monthly payment for 2022-2023 plan year dependent coverage will be made at the time you enroll your dependents in coverage during the July 15 – October 1 enrollment period.  Your 50% share of dependent coverage for September 2022 will be paid to Academic HealthPlans on the day you enroll or up to three business days later, depending upon when Academic HealthPlans approves your enrollment. 

Consider the requirement to pay your share of the September 2022 dependent premium at the time of enrollment in determining the best time for you to complete your dependent enrollment between July 15 – October 1.

Regardless of when you enroll your dependents during the July 15 – October 1 enrollment period, their coverage will be effective September 1; however, coverage may not be active on September 1 if you have not completed enrollment before that date.  To avoid a temporary gap in active coverage, consider enrolling your dependents by August 22. 

After you pay your share of the September 2022 dependent premium at the time of enrollment, your remaining monthly payments for 2022-2023 plan year dependent coverage will begin on October 1 for October 2022 coverage and continue on the first of each month thereafter.

Your final monthly payment for dependent coverage for the 2021-2022 plan year will be for August 2022 coverage on August 1.  Depending upon the timing of your dependent enrollment for the 2022-2023 plan year, it’s possible you could pay your dependent premium for September 2022 before you pay your dependent premium for August 2022.

I’m a part-time AGS employee and I waived my AcademicBlue SHIP coverage for the 2021-2022 plan year.  Do I need to waive my coverage again for the 2022-2023 plan year?

If you are a part-time AGS employee and were automatically enrolled in AcademicBlue SHIP, but waived coverage for the 2021-2022 plan year, you must waive coverage again for the 2022-2023 plan year, or you will be automatically enrolled in coverage effective September 1, if you remain a part-time AGS employee.  Part-time AGS employees must waive AcademicBlue SHIP coverage each year.

I’m a full-time AGS employee and enrolled in AcademicBlue SHIP coverage for the 2021-2022 plan year.  I want to waive coverage for the 2022-2023 plan year.  How do I do that?

As a full-time AGS employee, you will not have access to the Academic HealthPlans waiver system.  You will need to email Academic HealthPlans by October 1 to waive your coverage for the 2022-2023 plan year.

What are the medical plan changes for the 2022-2023 plan year?

More information about UT Select Medical plan changes, and other employee group insurance plans, is available on the UT System Office of Employee Benefits’ Annual Enrollment website and in the 2022-2023 Annual Enrollment & Resource Guide for Employees.

Changes to the AcademicBlue SHIP include:

• Virtual Visit (Telemedicine) changing from MD Life to Academic Life Care and copayment changing from $20 to $0.
• Pharmacy benefits based on a Performance Drug List. Only drugs on list will be covered.Drugs
• The Individual/Family out-of-pocket maximums are increasing from $6,600/$12,700 in-network and $13,200/$37,500 out-of-network to $8,700/$17,400 in-network and $17,400/$34,800 out-of-network.
• The Office Visit and Urgent Care copayments are changing from $20/$40 in-network to $30/35 in-network.

More information about AcademicBlue SHIP is available on the Academic HealthPlans’ AcademicBlue SHIP AGS Employee website.

A side-by-side comparison of the two medical plans is available in the 2022-2023 UT Select & AcademicBlue SHIP Comparison Chart.

What are the medical plan premiums for the 2022-2023 plan year?

	UT Select		Academic Blue
Level of Coverage	Monthly Premium for Part-time Employees	Monthly Premium for Full-time Employees	Monthly Premium for All AGS Employees
Subscriber Only	$337.58 ($23.56 increase)	$0.00 (no change)	$0.00 (no change)
Subscriber + Spouse	$805.22 ($56.18 increase)	$290.70 (20.28 increase)	$138.50 ($5.50 increase)
Subscriber + Child(ren)	$702.16 (52.68 increase)	$304.04 ($21.22 increase)	$221.50 ($8.50 increase)
Subscriber + Family	$1,201.26 ($83.80 increase)	$572.46 ($39.94 increase)	$360.00 ($14.00 increase)

Premiums for the other employee group insurance plans are included in the 2022-2023 Annual Enrollment & Resource Guide for Employees and Plan Year 2022-2023 Benefits Cost Worksheet for Employees.

What are the monthly premium sharing credit amounts for the 2022-2023 plan year?

Employment Status	Monthly Premium Sharing Credit Available
Part-time (20-29 SWH)	$168.79 ($11.17 increase)
Full-time (30+ SWH)	$337.58 ($23.55 increase)

How do I enroll in Delta Dental, Superior Vision and/or Voluntary AD&D plans at no premium cost?

If you are a part-time AGS employee and you aren’t currently enrolled in UT Select or the Premium Sharing Credit plan, you will be automatically enrolled in the Premium Sharing Credit plan for 2022-2023.  However, you must elect your Delta Dental, Superior Vision and/or Voluntary AD&D coverage in My UT Benefits by July 31.  If you are enrolled in AcademicBlue SHIP for the 2022-2023 plan year, you do not need to upload Evidence of Waiver (EOW).  If you are enrolled in another health plan, you must upload EOW by August 15.

If you are a full-time AGS employee, you must decline UT Select (even if you are not currently enrolled), then elect the Premium Sharing Credit plan.  You must then elect your Delta Dental, Superior Vision and/or Voluntary AD&D coverage in My UT Benefits by July 31.  If you are enrolled in AcademicBlue SHIP for the 2022-2023 plan year, you do not need to upload Evidence of Waiver (EOW).  If you are enrolled in another health plan, you must upload EOW by August 15.

I’m currently enrolled in UT Select and want to change to AcademicBlue SHIP.  How do I do that?

Human Resources recommends that you make these changes by July 31 for the simplest experience.  You will need to elect AcademicBlue SHIP in the Academic HealthPlans enrollment system.  You will also need to decline UT Select in My UT Benefits. 

If you make these changes after July 31, you must elect AcademicBlue SHIP no later than October 1 in the Academic HealthPlans enrollment system.  By electing AcademicBlue SHIP, you create a qualified status change opportunity and may then decline UT Select by choosing the “Gain of AcademicBlue (UT Student Health Insurance Plan)” life event in My UT Benefits with an effective date of 8/31/22.  You must decline UT Select by October 1. 

When you decline UT Select, don’t forget to elect the Premium Sharing Credit plan and then dental, vison and/or voluntary AD&D, if you haven’t already, to receive those plans at no premium cost for the 2022-2023 plan year. 

I’m currently enrolled in AcademicBlue SHIP and want to change to UT Select.  How do I do that?

Human Resources recommends that you make these changes by July 31 for the simplest experience.  You will need to waive AcademicBlue SHIP in the Academic HealthPlans waiver system.  You will also need to elect UT Select in My UT Benefits. 

If you make these changes after July 31, you must waive AcademicBlue SHIP no later than October 1 in the Academic HealthPlans waiver system.  By waiving AcademicBlue SHIP, you create a qualified status change opportunity to enroll in UT Select by choosing the “Loss of AcademicBlue (UT Student Health Insurance Plan)” life event in My UT Benefits with an effective date of 8/31/22.  You must elect UT Select by October 1.

When you elect UT Select, don’t forget to review the other employee group insurance plans available to you and elect or decline coverage, as desired.

Will I receive a new medical ID card for the 2022-2023 plan year?

Yes.  Whether you are enrolled in UT Select or AcademicBlue SHIP, you will receive new ID cards that reflect plan changes.  If you need to use your medical ID card before you receive it, you may print or download a copy in Blue Access for Members (BAM). 

If enrolled in UT Select and you need to use your prescription ID card before you receive it, you may print or download a copy from Express Scripts. 

Your Member ID and Group number on the ID cards will remain the same.  While the cost share amounts may not reflect the changes for the 2022-2023 plan year, your older ID card should still allow you to access care.

I missed the July 31 deadline.  Can I elect dental, vision or other employee group insurance plans after the July 31 deadline?

If you elect or waive AcademicBlue SHIP before the October 1 deadline, you may elect dental, vision or other employee group insurance plans as part of a qualifying life event when you decline or elect UT Select as a result of your AcademicBlue SHIP change.  Review these FAQs for details about how to make these changes:

• I’m currently enrolled in UT Select and want to change to AcademicBlue SHIP. How do I do that?
• I’m currently enrolled in AcademicBlue SHIP and want to change to UT Select. How do I do that?

If you maintain the same health plan for the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 plan years and do not elect or waive AcademicBlue SHIP by October 1, your only opportunity to elect dental, vision or other employee group insurance plans is the July 15-31 enrollment period.

You may be able to elect dental, vision or other employee group insurance plans if you experience a qualified status change event during the 2022-2023 plan year.  You must elect coverage in My UT Benefits with 31 days of your status change event, such as a change in your part-time or full-time insurance status or another life event. However, the special enrollment opportunity to elect Voluntary Group Term Life Insurance for 1-3 times your annual salary without Evidence of Insurability (EOI), a medical questionnaire that requires approval from the insurance company, is only available from July 15-31.

Why can’t I make all of my 2022-2023 plan year insurance elections by the October 1 AcademicBlue SHIP enrollment deadline?

The employee group insurance program provides an Annual Enrollment period from July 15 – July 31 to permit employees to make elections for UT Select medical, Premium Sharing Credit, Delta Dental, Superior Vision, AD&D, Life, Disability and UT Flex coverage for the new plan year starting September 1.  Outside of this Annual Enrollment opportunity, employees may only make changes to these plans if they experience a qualified status change event.

Electing or waiving AcademicBlue SHIP coverage after July 31, but before the October 1 enrollment deadline, creates a qualified status change event that allows you to also decline or elect the UT Select medical plan, along with other employee group insurance plans by October 1.  However, the special enrollment opportunity to elect Voluntary Group Term Life Insurance for 1-3 times your annual salary without Evidence of Insurability (EOI), a medical questionnaire that requires approval from the insurance company, is only available from July 15-31.

I won’t be a benefits eligible AGS employee for fall.  Do I need to waive my AcademicBlue SHIP, UT Select, or other employee group insurance plan coverage?

No.  Once your benefits eligible AGS employment ends, each of the plans will automatically be notified of your change in eligibility and will terminate your coverage.  The timing of your coverage termination depends upon when action is taken in Workday to end your eligible employment.  Once your eligible employment is ended, you will receive an email notification that includes insurance continuation options.  If your AGS employee coverage hasn’t ended and you expect it to, please contact your department HR contact or graduate coordinator to clarify your employment status.

If I will not be a benefits eligible AGS employee for fall.  Do I have until October 1 to elect AcademicBlue SHIP coverage?

No.  If you want AcademicBlue SHIP coverage for the fall, you must elect voluntary AcademicBlue SHIP coverage by September 16.  Enrollment is available on the Academic HealthPlans Voluntary website.

ID Cards

If I'm enrolled in AcademicBlue SHIP, will I receive an ID card?

Yes, BlueCross BlueShield of Texas (BCBSTX) will mail you an ID card.  This may take up to two weeks after your AcademicBlue SHIP enrollment is completed.  You may also print or download a temporary ID card after registering for Blue Access for Members (BAM).  To register for BAM, you will need your member ID and group number available in the Academic Health Plans student portal.  You can register for the student portal on the Academic Health Plans website.

If I'm enrolled in UT Select, will I receive an ID card?

Yes, you will receive two ID cards.  BlueCross BlueShield of Texas (BCBSTX) will mail you an ID card.  You may also print or download a temporary ID card after registering for Blue Access for Members (BAM).  Express Scripts will mail you an ID card for prescription benefits.  You may also view or download a temporary ID card after registering on the Express Scripts website.  ID cards may take up to two weeks after your UT Select enrollment is completed.

Managing Out-of-Pocket Costs

How can I save money if enrolled in AcademicBlue SHIP?

• Use BlueChoice PPO network providers (you must select BlueChoice PPO)
• Use University Health Services (UHS) to receive benefits covered at 100% of the allowable amount for covered expenses
• Use AcademicLiveCare for a $0, including behavioral health counseling
• Use the 24/7 Nurseline for health questions at no cost
• Consider a Flexible Spending Account to use pre-tax funds to pay for your eligible out-of-pocket expenses
• Search for rebate and assistance programs, if prescribed specialty drugs (Goodrx.com may help identify options; no affiliation with UT benefits)

If you were enrolled in AcademicBlue SHIP for the 2021-2022 plan year and experience increased out-of-pocket costs compared to UT Select, you may be eligible to apply for the Graduate School's Health Care Assistance Fund.

How can I save money if enrolled in UT Select?

• Use BlueChoice PPO network providers
• Use MDLive at no cost, including behavioral health counseling
• Use University Health Services (UHS) to receive office visits for a reduced $10 copayment and a reduced $25 copayment for procedures
• Use the UT Health Network for reduced copayments and coinsurance
  • Office visits for the UT Austin School of Nursing Wellness Center are a reduced $10 copayment
• Use the 24/7 Nurseline for health questions at no cost
• Consider a Flexible Spending Account to use pre-tax funds to pay for your eligible out-of-pocket expenses

What services does UHS provide?

• Primary Care/General Medicine services
• Preventative services (e.g., physical exams, well woman exams)
• Designated Women’s Health clinic
• Contraceptive prescription and management
• STI testing and treatment
• Gender care and gender affirming hormone treatment
• Sports Medicine services
• Same day appointments for more urgent health care needs (UHS can provide IV hydration and some IV medications, perform laceration repairs, set uncomplicated fractures, administer nebulizer treatments, assess abdominal and headache pain, etc., although emergency and higher level care is referred to a community provider or hospital)
• Travel Health services Allergy injections (after starting allergy injections with an off-site allergist)
• Physical Therapy (after receiving a referral from a UHS or off-site provider)
• Nutrition counseling from our Registered, Licensed Dietician
• Radiology services including digital x-rays and many common ultrasound exams
• COVID-19 testing
• Common dermatology procedures like wart treatment and biopsy of skin lesions
• In-house clinical laboratory
• Integrated Health counseling services

Graduate Student Fellows

Is UT health insurance available to students with fellowship appointments?

Yes.  These individuals are eligible for AcademicBlue SHIP due to their student status.  They are also eligible for UT Select if they have competitively awarded fellowships with a total value of $10,000 or more.  Non-employee fellows must pay the full cost for either AcademicBlue SHIP or UT Select, although the fellowship may include funding for insurance premiums.  Review Insurance for Graduate Student Fellows for more details about plan options, enrollment and billing.

F-1 or J-1 International Students

If I am automatically enrolled in AcademicBlue SHIP as a part-time AGS employee at no premium cost, do I still need to waive insurance with the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office?

Yes, you must still waive insurance with ISSS each semester so the cost of insurance is not added to your tuition and fee bill.  Information about the waiver process and deadlines is available on the ISSS website.

Contact Information

Academic Health Plans – for AcademicBlue SHIP enrollment assistance
1-855-247-7587

BlueCross BlueShield of Texas – for AcademicBlue SHIP benefits, prescription, and claims information
1-855-267-0214

BlueCross BlueShield of Texas – for UT Select benefits and claims information
1-866-882-2034

Express Scripts – for UT Select prescription assistance
1-800-818-0155

My UT Benefits Technical Support - for technical and navigational assistance with the My UT Benefits enrollment website
1-844-870-0155

Your Graduate Coordinator or Department HR Contact - for questions about your job assignment, scheduled weekly hours, and new employee onboarding

UT Austin Human Resource Service Center – for questions about benefits eligibility and insurance plans