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Category: News

News information of particular interest to international students.

ISHIP Premium Rebates for 2020 ISHIP Enrollees

Students who purchased ISHIP health insurance coverage at the UW during the 2020 calendar year, whether for just one quarter or for the entire year will receive a letter and rebate check from LifeWise sometime in the next month, assuming that LifeWise has your current address on file.

The laws and regulations which govern insurance companies such as LifeWise require that they meet specific medical loss-ratio (MLR) rules or otherwise they must refund excess premiums back to their customers. This MLR rule requires that the insurer spends a minimum of 80% of premiums they receive on health care services, such as doctor and hospital bills, and no more than 20% on administrative costs.

2020 was a very unique year in many ways due to the COVID-19 outbreak. One effect was a significant reduction in the utilization of healthcare over several months when much of the world was effectively shut down. As a result of this, LifeWise only spent 72.5% of premiums on healthcare and must return (or rebate) the remaining 7.5%. This is why you will be receiving a check, so long as you paid any ISHIP premiums in 2020. Most of the checks will be relatively small, with the vast majority under $100.00.

The checks will be sent by LifeWise to the student addresses which they have in their system. If you need to update your address, to ensure you receive your rebate check, please contact LifeWise toll-free at 800-971-1491 Monday through Friday, 5:00 am to 8:00 pm (Pacific Time).

Autumn 2020 ISHIP Primer

Each Autumn quarter the ISHIP Office receives many questions about enrolling in ISHIP, getting your LifeWise insurance card, and questions about updating your local mailing address. Here’s a primer for what to expect from ISHIP as you start Autumn quarter.

All students on ISHIP

  • ISHIP coverage begins on 9/1 BUT you must register for Autumn quarter classes to activate your ISHIP coverage.
  • A LifeWise email will be sent the week after you register for Autumn quarter classes OR the week when Autumn ISHIP coverage begins on 9/1, which ever date is later.
  • LifeWise insurance card should arrive the week of 9/14.
  • Keep this insurance card with you. You will use it when you see a doctor or other provider for services.
  • Your local mailing address in MyUW must be a U.S. address to properly create a LifeWise portal account and receive your LifeWise card and documents.
  • A LifeWise portal account is recommended but not required. However, an account provides you with greater access to your medical coverage and includes some additional features, such as access to a printable temporary insurance card if you need to see a doctor and have not received your permanent ID card yet.

Students registered for Autumn quarter classes and in the U.S.

  • LifeWise email will be sent the week of 9/1 confirming you are enrolled in ISHIP.
  • It is your responsibility to read and follow the instructions in the LifeWise email.
  • If you changed your local mailing address in MyUW, please wait 3-5 business days before attempting to create your LifeWise portal account. This provides enough time for LifeWise to receive your latest address update and allow you to proceed with portal registration.
  • LifeWise insurance card should arrive the week of 9/14.
  • A temporary insurance card may be printed from the LifeWise portal account if you need to see a doctor before your card arrives.

Students registered for Autumn quarter classes but not yet in the U.S. or arriving later in September

  • Students who do not have a local mailing address in the U.S. will receive an email from LifeWise but you may not receive your LifeWise insurance card.
  • LifeWise insurance cards will be sent to your local mailing address the week of 9/14.
  • Update the local mailing address information in MyUW account immediately upon determining the address.
  • If you changed your local mailing address in MyUW, please wait 3-5 business days before attempting to create your LifeWise portal account. This provides enough time for LifeWise to receive your latest address update and allow you to proceed with portal registration.
  • Students who arrive before 9/14 and have an updated local mailing address in MyUW will receive a LifeWise insurance card that week.
  • Students who arrive on or after 9/14 may not receive a LifeWise insurance card. You will need to update your local mailing address in your MyUW account, create your LifeWise portal account and request a new LifeWise insurance card directly from your portal account. Your card will be sent to your updated local mailing address.
  • A temporary insurance card may be printed from the LifeWise portal account if you need to see a doctor before your card arrives

Students not yet registered for Autumn quarter classes

  • ISHIP enrollment happens automatically when you register for Autumn quarter classes.
  • A LifeWise email will be sent 3-5 business days after you register for Autumn quarter classes.
  • It is your responsibility to read and follow the instructions in the LifeWise email.
  • A LifeWise insurance card will be sent either the week of 9/14 (if you registered for classes before 9/14) or 1-2 weeks after the date you registered for Autumn quarter classes.

Students who have not paid ISHIP fees

  • When you register, the ISHIP insurance fee will appear on your tuition statement.
  • You will pay ISHIP insurance fees with your tuition charges by the registration deadline, which is 10/16.
  • There is no need to pay for ISHIP insurance fees before using your ISHIP coverage to see a doctor.