Waive

If you do not want NYFASHIP, you must decline or waive coverage by submitting a waiver. You may only waive coverage during the following Waiver Periods:

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). 

To dis-enroll from NYFASHIP, students must submit proof of comparable health insurance coverage by participating in the waiver application process. To effectively and continuously dis-enroll from NYFASHIP throughout program duration, students must successfully participate in the waiver application process at the time of program registration and for subsequent Fall(s)/August(s), for as long as they remain NYFA students.

Students may only waive if they are enrolled in a plan that has the following:

• The plan coverage is continuous (no break or termination) for the academic year.
• The plan coverage is compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and covers the following:
  • Preventative and non-urgent care (including immunizations)
  • Prescription drugs
  • Emergency care
  • Surgical care
  • Inpatient and outpatient hospitalization
  • Lab work
  • Physical therapy
  • Chiropractic care
  • Diagnostic x-rays
• The plan must be based in and licensed to do business in the United States.
• The plan covers the treatment of pre-existing conditions (with no waiting periods & with no exclusions).
• The plan covers inpatient and outpatient medical care within a 25 mile radius of the NYC Campus (10004) or Los Angeles Campus (91505)
• The plan covers inpatient and outpatient mental health and substance abuse care within a 25 mile radius of the NYC Campus (10004) or Los Angeles Campus (91505)
• The plan offers unlimited maximum benefit per occurrence per year.