(From the Graduate School)
Dear Graduate Student:
I am pleased to announce that, for 2007-08 academic year, the Graduate School will pay for the health insurance premium (at the student-only rate) for Ph.D. students in years one through six (i.e., who matriculated in Summer 2002 or later) and who enroll in the Duke University student health insurance plan. For students who enroll at the beginning of the plan year, both the premium charge and payment will be posted directly to the student's bursar's account. For students who enroll mid-year in the health insurance plan, the Graduate School will make a payment directly to the student for the prorated health insurance premium amount. This payment will be made through the non-compensatory payment system. For students who enroll mid-year, federal and state taxes may be withheld, depending on the student's withholding requirements or selections.
Note that criteria to determine eligibility for the payment will be changing somewhat from those used in FY 06-07. In FY 06-07, the Graduate School covered the health insurance premium for all fully funded Ph.D. students who enrolled in the Duke plan. For FY 07-08, the Graduate School will pay for the health insurance premium for all Ph.D. students in years one through six (continuous) who enroll in the Duke plan, regardless of funding level. Specifically, this means that students who matriculated as Ph.D. students in Summer 2002 or later and remain enrolled in a Ph.D. program will be eligible to receive payment for the premium under the Duke student health insurance plan. Ph.D. students who matriculated earlier than Summer 2002 will not be eligible for the Graduate School payment of health insurance, although they may elect to enroll in the Duke plan and pay for the insurance premium themselves. Note that students receiving competitive Graduate School fellowships (e.g., Stern, Price, Bass Instructorships, etc.) will be eligible for the health insurance payment, regardless of their year / matriculation date.
Graduate students may enroll in the Duke health insurance plan by visiting the ACES website. Specific information about enrollment process will be sent to you directly by the Bursar's Office.
We are very pleased to be able to offer this type of financial support to our Ph.D. students. Best wishes for your continued success as a vital part of Duke's intellectual community.
--
Jo Rae Wright, Ph.D.
Dean of the Graduate School
Vice Provost
127 Allen Building
Box 90067
Durham, NC 27708-0067
Phone: 919-681-1560
FAX: 919-684-2277
jrwright@duke.edu
jrwright@duke.edu