Health Insurance and Student Health Services

All F-1 and J-1 international students are required to have the Texas A&M University System Student Health Insurance Plan (SSHIP).

The Student Health Insurance Plan (SSHIP) provider is Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX).

Academic Health Plans (AHP) provides management and administrative services for A&M-Commerce.

Students are automatically enrolled each semester and the insurance premium charge is placed on an international student's account as a separate charge not included in their tuition and fees.

The Office of International Programs (OIP) does not set the cost of insurance. The cost pf insurance is set by criteria and bidding process at the Texas A&M University System. The SHHIP is for all Texas A&M University System universities.

If you do not see this charge on your account after the second week of classes; please email us at: intlinsurance@tamuc.edu

A&M System Health Insurance Requirement

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX)

Academic Health Plans (AHP)

Find a Pharmacy

Summary of Benefits

Blue Access for Members

BCBS Customer Service: 1(800)-451-0287

24/7 Nurse-line: 1(800)-581-0368

Benefits/Claims: 1(855)-267-0214

Students with F-2 dependents who would like to enroll in the SSHIP may contact Academic Health Plans at AHP Contact Us. The SSHIP coverage does not include dependents and a separate enrollment form will need to be submitted.

The A&M-Commerce Student Health Services office offers affordable health care to A&M-Commerce students and faculty/staff. Currently enrolled students may visit Student Health Services for free. There may be additional charges for labs, x-rays, minor procedures, etc.

Student Health Services is located in Henderson Hall (B19 on campus map) and they are open Monday through Friday from 8am-5pm (closed for lunch from 12pm-1pm). For more information or to schedule an appointment call 903-886-5853 or go to Student Health Services

Waiver Deadlines:

• Go to: https://tamuc.myahpcare.com/waiver to check the Waiver Deadlines
• These are strict deadlines for applying for a waiver. Late applicants cannot be accepted after the deadline and students will be responsible for SHHIP Fees.

IMPORTANT: The Office of International Programs (OIP) is not involved in the waiver decision making process. Our office cannot approve or deny waiver request applications, nor does this office set the waiver eligibility criteria. Questions about your waiver status should be directed to Academic Health Plans (AHP) at support@ahpcare.com or 1-877-624-7911.

Waiver Guidelines:

The Texas A&M University System has established five circumstances in which an international student can request a waiver to the SSHIP and provide alternative health insurance coverage.

1. Student is sponsored by the United States government; or
2. Student is sponsored by a foreign government recognized by the United States or certain international, government-sponsored, or non-governmental organizations, and covered under a health plan that is compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). If the health plan does not include medical evacuation and repatriation, a rider must be purchased providing coverage at equal limits to the SHIP; or
3. Student is enrolled in an employer-provided group health plan that is compliant with the ACA. If the health plan does not include medical evacuation and repatriation, a rider must be purchased providing coverage at equal limits to the SHIP; or
4. Student is enrolled in only distance learning programs; or
5. Student is involved in intercollegiate athletics and coverage for all medical insurance is provided through a policy as part of the current sports accident medical policy approved by System Risk Management.

How To Submit a Waiver:

• Got to: https://tamuc.myahpcare.com/waiver

• Scroll down to the bottom and click on: “Click Here to Submit Your Waiver Request...”

Training on how to submit a waiver and check your waiver status: https://www2.academichealthplans.com/training/

Quick Reference Flyer on all things Waiver:

https://myahpcare.com/wp-content/uploads/Student-Quick-Reference-Flyer-9.pdf

Approval/Denial of Waiver:

If your waiver application is approved, your SSHIP fee should be removed within 7-10 business days. If it does not contact, intlinsurance@tamuc.edu. Please include your full name, CWID, and approval status of waiver.

If your waiver application is denied, you will be responsible for SSHIP fees.

International students who are working as benefits-eligible employees at Texas A&M University-Commerce (examples include: Teaching Assistants, Graduate Assistants, Research Assistants, etc.) are considered Graduate Student Employees (GSE). GSEs are eligible to enroll in the Grad Plan which is paid through a payroll deduction and by their employer. GSEs should talk to their department HR for further information on eligibility and how to enroll in the Grad Plan.

• You have 31 days to enroll in the Grad Plan form your hire date.
• If your Grad Plan insurance does not begin on or before September 1^st for Fall Semester or January 1^st for Spring Semester, then you will be billed for SSHIP coverage and will receive a refund for the months of double coverage through the completion of a promissory notice.

New Graduate Student Employees: You will need to complete a Promissory Note through Human Resources (HR). Additionally, in order to be included on the SSHIP Waiver they need to make sure that their Visa, Passport, and Alien Work Authorization is updated with Human Resources. You will be responsible for a portion of the insurance of your first term.

Current Graduate Student Employees: If you are a current graduate student employee and you are currently enrolled in the graduate student health plan and your assistantship, your charge will be removed. You are not required to apply for a waiver of SSHIP. 

Please email: intlinsurance@tamuc.edu if your charge has not been removed after 2 weeks of the start of classes.

Questions regarding Health Benefits as a GA and Questions about Eligibility including being on the GA Waiver Report to have Insurance charges waived:

Existing and New GA’s Contact:

• Tyler Devitt, Benefits & HR Coordinator
• Email: tyler.devitt@tamuc.edu
• Phone: 903.886.5025

All GA’s Contact:

Human Resources:

• Phone: 903.886.5080
• Email: hr@tamuc.edu
• Location: Employee Services Building, B12

Updating Any Documents:

• Phone: 903.886.5080
• Email: Hr.documents@tamuc.edu

1. Go to: https://www3.academichealthplans.com/findCoverage
2. Once at website, type in CWID/UIN with Date of Birth and click submit.
3. Copy Member ID.
4. Download BCBSTX App on Mobile Device
5. Click on Register an account and read and accept the terms.
6. Enter First name, Last name, Date of Birth, and Identification Number.
7. Then create Secure Login (college email, then create username and password).
8. Verify your email and you’re all set! Check your college email and clock on ‘link’ to Verify. After the verification, click on continue.
9. Now Login to BlueCross BlueShield of Texas (BCBSTX) using username and password. Check new email for 6-digit code. Enter code, then click on VERIFY ACCOUNT.

Note: While creating an account, if you have first name or last name more than 20 characters, Please enter First 20 characters only. If you still face difficulty, Contact: 1 (877) 624-7911 (Toll Free)

If you need more help, reach out to:

Enrollment Information:

Academic Health Plans Inc.

P.O Box 1605

Colleyville, TX 76034

Help.ahpcare.com

1 (877) 624-7911 (Toll Free)

Benefits and Claims:

Blue Cross BlueShield of Texas

P.O. Box 6660044

Dallas, TX 75266

1(855)267-0214

BCBS Customer Service

1(800) 451-0287 (Toll Free)

1(800)581-0368 (24/7 Nurseline)

For Emergency:

911 (Toll Free)