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.
- If your plan is through an employer, a government-sponsored program (i.e. TRICARE, Medicaid, CHIP) or an Individual Market Plan (i.e. Covered California), it meets the MEC requirement.
- If you have short-term/temporary insurance, travel insurance, or dental-only insurance, your plan does NOT meet the requirement.
- 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).