J-2 dependents, like J-1 students and employees, are required to always have health insurance coverage while they are in J-2 status. J-2 insurance coverage must meet the same minimum standards outlined by the Department of State, including AES coverage.  

Note for Students: A hold will be placed on the J-1 student’s account until it is verified that all members of their household have health insurance coverage.  

F-2 dependents are not required to have health insurance, though it is highly recommended that they do have health insurance coverage. Medical emergencies can result in thousands of dollars-worth of unexpected medical bills.  

How to Enroll Dependents:  

Both F-2 and J-2 dependents are eligible to be enrolled in SSHIP, Grad Plan, or an employee plan for an additional cost. Dependents can be enrolled only during the open enrollment period or based on a qualifying event. Dependents are not automatically enrolled. Students will also need to re-enroll dependents before each coverage period if they are enrolled in SSHIP. Dependent enrollment in Grad Plan or an employee plan will continue until the student’s enrollment ends, the employee is no longer employed, or until the student/employee elects to unenroll the dependent. 

Note for Students: If your spouse or child is also in F-1/J-1 status and will be included as a dependent on your health insurance policy, or vice versa, then student who will be a dependent on the insurance policy still need to submit a waiver application to avoid being charged for SSHIP coverage.  

SSHIP Enrollment:

https://tamu.myahpcare.com/enrollment  

Grad Plan Enrollment:

Students on Grad Plan can add their dependents in Workday in the Howdy portal or contact their HR representative for further assistance.

  

Enrolling Based on Qualifying Event

If students or employees need to get health insurance coverage for their dependents outside of the open enrollment period or 60-day qualifying life change window, they will need to look at purchasing a separate plan for their dependent. This can be very expensive!   

After the 60-day window has passed, they will not be eligible to make any changes to their existing health coverage until the next open enrollment period unless they have a qualifying life event. 
 
Qualifying Events Include:  

• Loss of health insurance coverage 
• Arrival of dependents to the U.S. 
• Marriage 
• Birth or adoption of a child 
• Loss of a spouse or dependent due to death, divorce, annulment, or legal separation 

Documentation:  

Students or employees applying for changes to their insurance policy based on a qualifying event will need to provide proof of the event (i.e., marriage license, birth certificate, or other legal documentation).  

Effective Date and Billing:  

The premium will be prorated based on what it would have been at the beginning of the semester. However, the effective date will be the later of the following: the date the student/employee enrolls for coverage, or the day after the prior coverage ends.