This means that some -- but not all -- students are required to have health insurance coverage that meets minimum standards.

This requirement applies only to these students:

• All international students who are holding F or J visas.
• Students enrolled in one of the following programs that already require proof of health insurance:
• All students admitted to any MSC Nursing program
• All students admitted to the MSC Respiratory Therapy program
• All students enrolled in HIMT 2750/2850, HIMA 4750, HLSA 4450/4451

Students who are NOT in one of these categories are not required to have health insurance. If you are not an international student, if you have not been officially ADMITTED to the Nursing or Respiratory Therapy program, or if you are not enrolled in the courses listed above, you are not eligible for a mandatory policy. See Voluntary Enrollment at www.studentinsurance.com.

No. If you are not in one of those categories, you do not have a health insurance requirement and no action is necessary.

Yes. If you are in one of those categories but you have some form of health insurance, you still must take action each semester (see semester question below). You must file a notification of your coverage so it can be verified as being adequate to meet this requirement. Acceptable coverage may include a policy held by your parent or spouse, or a company or organization on an approved waiver list. Individual or association policies will not be acceptable forms of insurance coverage. Even if you believe your coverage is adequate, it must be verified. When your adequate coverage is verified, you will be issued a Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP) waiver which satisfies the insurance requirement. Your receipt of this waiver is crucial. Failure to have your health insurance coverage certified for your waiver will mean you cannot remain a student.

If you are in one of those categories and are covered by a health insurance policy held by a parent, spouse, employer, or other acceptable organization, you will need to be approved for a SHIP waiver in order to avoid paying for a SHIP policy. Visit www.studentinsurance.com and enter “Macon State College” in the search box. Select "Waive Online" from the left-hand menu. Complete the online form. If it is determined that your policy meets minimum standards, you will not be required to purchase the SHIP policy. Pearce and Pearce, Inc. will notify you and the College electronically of your status.

If you are not covered by insurance, or your coverage does not qualify for a SHIP waiver, you will need SHIP insurance if you wish to remain a student. The University System of Georgia developed the student health insurance program in order to provide quality health insurance to students in the mandated categories of study at the lowest possible cost. The company providing health insurance coverage to students is Pearce and Pearce, Inc. Visit www.studentinsurance.com and enter “Macon State College” in the search box. Select "Mandatory Plan" from the left-hand menu. Complete the online form. The cost of the premium will be included on your MSC Tuition and Fees bill each semester.

The SHIP premium is $358 for Fall and $472 for Spring/Summer.

The cost of the SHIP premium will be automatically added to your Tuition and Fees bill. If you have adequate coverage, it is your responsibility to initiate the waiver process described above in order to avoid paying the premium.

You will need to successfully secure a waiver or secure coverage from Pearce and Pearce, Inc. each semester of your enrollment at any University System of Georgia institution.

You must have secured your waiver or have paid for your coverage from Pearce and Pearce, Inc. by the Macon State College payment deadline in order to remain enrolled in your classes. Students who do not secure the waiver or the coverage will be removed from MSC courses for non-payment. Any student removed from enrollment in the Nursing or Respiratory Therapy program will need to reapply for admission.

Macon State College staff and faculty cannot answer more specific questions about a student's insurance plan and whether it meets this insurance requirement. All additional questions that students in one of these categories may have about this insurance requirement should be directed to Pearce and Pearce at maconstate@studentinsurance.com.