Waiving NU-SHIP Enrollment with Medicaid
Medicaid
Students who are covered by an Illinois Medicaid plan may be eligible to waive enrollment in the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ University Student Health Insurance Plan (NU-SHIP), as Illinois Medicaid meets the University’s standards for comparable coverage.
Please note: Students with out-of-state Medicaid plans are not eligible to waive NU-SHIP. These plans typically do not provide access to routine, non-emergency care within the Evanston/Chicago area, which does not meet ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½’s coverage requirements.
Financial Assistance for NU-SHIP
Undergraduate students who enroll in NU-SHIP but do not have sufficient financial resources to pay the premium may apply for assistance through the Office of Undergraduate Financial Aid. Assistance may be provided in the form of a loan or institutional grant.
To apply, please visit the Office of Undergraduate Financial Aid website and complete the
For Students with Out-of-State Medicaid
If you are currently covered by an out-of-state Medicaid plan, we encourage you to consider the following steps:
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Once you have your Illinois address apply for Illinois Medicaid by visiting the to submit an Application for Benefits Eligibility (ABE).
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Ensure the Illinois Medicaid plan you select meets both your medical and mental health care needs.
ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ has observed that students with Medicaid coverage often face challenges accessing care—particularly mental health services—in the Chicagoland area. -
Illinois offers several Medicaid Managed Care plans, each with different networks and benefits. Your choice of plan will directly affect which providers you can access.
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If you waive NU-SHIP using an Illinois Medicaid plan and later find it does not meet your healthcare needs, you will not be eligible to re-enroll in NU-SHIP mid-year, unless you experience a qualifying life event.
Enrollment Periods
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Open Enrollment: July 1 – October 1 each academic year
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Mid-Year Enrollment Changes: Only permitted for qualifying life events (e.g., loss of other coverage, turning 26, etc.).