Are you graduating? Here’s what you need to know.

First, make sure we have your current address.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts will be mailing you two documents:

  1. A reminder that your insurance coverage under MIT SHIP will be ending soon
  2. A “certificate of health plan coverage” that describes your MIT SHIP coverage and its effective dates. You may need this certificate as proof of coverage for tax purposes or to enroll in a new health insurance plan.

Update your address with MIT Registrar’s office as soon as possible, so you can be sure to receive these documents.

When does my coverage end?

If you graduate BEFORE the end of February, your coverage ends on January 31 of that calendar year.   

If you graduate AFTER March 1, your coverage ends August 31 of that calendar year.  

How do I get health insurance after I graduate?

You have several options:

  • Through an employer: If you will be working at a job that offers health insurance coverage, you can transition to your employer’s health plan.
  • Through a school or university: If you are going to graduate school in the fall, you can transition to the student health plan offered by the school you will be attending.
  • Through your parents’ family plan: Most young adults can be covered through their parents’ health insurance plan until they turn 26. You can get this coverage whether you’re married, living with your parents or not, in school, or financially independent. Learn more.
  • Purchase your own coverage: If you need to buy your own health insurance coverage after graduation, try one of these options:
    • Massachusetts Health Connector: If you’re staying in Massachusetts after graduation, you can use this site to compare health insurance plans and find one that meets your needs.
    • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA) non-group/direct-pay insurance plans: If you’re currently enrolled in the MIT Student Health Insurance Plan (MIT SHIP) and are staying in Massachusetts, your most convenient option may be to enroll in a non-group/direct-pay insurance plan offered through BCBSMA, but you must apply before August 1 for your new coverage to be effective starting September 1 (or before January 1 for coverage effective February 1).
    • HealthCare.gov: If you’re leaving Massachusetts after graduation but staying in the U.S., you can use this site to compare health insurance plans available to you in your state, and find one that meets your needs.