Opt-Out

Domestic & International Students

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California MEC (CA AB 594) Guidelines:

In accordance with the California Assembly Bill 594, California requires residents and their dependents to obtain, and maintain, health coverage or pay a penalty, unless they qualify for an exemption. Enrolling in student health insurance offered by the college or university you are attending is one way to meet this requirement. 

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Students enrolled at ArtCenter College of Design that wish to opt-out of the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) must submit alternate coverage information through the Academic Health Plans Waiver System. In order to be approved for a waiver, your alternate health coverage must meet the requirements listed below and be submitted with proof documentation prior to the deadline. 

Please review the following Alternate Health Insurance Requirements prior to submitting your waiver request:

For the 2026–2027 policy year, students must carry health insurance that qualifies as Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) to waive the school-sponsored plan. The guidance below clarifies which types of insurance meet MEC requirements and which do not.   

1. If your plan is through an employer, Covered California/Marketplace, Medicare, Medi-Cal or Medicaid, it meets the MEC requirement. 
2. If you have short-term/temporary insurance, travel insurance, or dental-only insurance, your plan does NOT meet the requirement.  
3. If you aren’t sure, check your Summary of Benefits (SBC) or call your insurance provider and ask whether your plan covers the 10 Essential Health Benefits required under this Affordable Care Act (ACA).  

Additional Requirements for International Students  
Your plan must also include:  

1. Repatriation expenses in the amount of no less than $25,000.  

1. Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the insured to the insured’s home country of no less than $50,000.  

 If your health plan does not include medical evacuation and repatriation, a rider must be purchased providing coverage at equal limits.