May 9, 2019

Dear Students,

We are excited to tell you about some major changes in the student health insurance plan. Starting on August 1, 2019, the student health insurance plan will be provided by CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield. Transitioning to this new plan will provide students with increased benefits along with a reduction in the premium.

Changes will include:

• Students will no longer need a referral from the student health center for specialty care in the community
• Access to a larger network of mental health providers
• Enhanced Wellness Program and Wellness Tools

As always, all full-time students must be covered by health insurance by the start of the semester. You will be enrolled automatically in AU’s student health insurance plan when the new plan year takes effect – this year, that’s on August 1, 2019 – but can waive out of it if you have another plan that provides comprehensive coverage in Washington DC. Details on the new plan and waiver process (which is not yet open and runs through late September) will be provided over the coming weeks.

If you are enrolled in AU’s current student plan, UnitedHealthCare StudentResources, your coverage will end on July 31, 2019. Continuing students will automatically roll over into the new 2019-2020 plan; but to ensure a smooth transition, please fill out the enrollment paperwork when it becomes available later this summer.

In the coming weeks, you will receive additional communications regarding the benefits provided by CareFirst and the waiver process. The change impacts all full-time students, including international students. Part-time students or students enrolled in at least six credit hours will be able to opt-in to the health insurance plan in June.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email the Student Health Center (shc@american.edu).

Sincerely,
Fanta Aw
Vice President of Campus Life & Inclusive Excellence
American University
campuslife@american.edu