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Benefit-Eligible Graduate Students (GradCare)

GradCare, administered by Blue Care Network (BCN), is exclusively available to benefit-eligible graduate students, including Graduate Student Instructors (GSIs), Graduate Student Staff Assistants (GSSAs), Graduate Student Research Assistants (GSRAs), benefit-eligible fellowship holders, medical school students, and their eligible dependents.

GradCare is a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) managed-care plan that provides medical services through a network of doctors and hospitals. With an HMO, you must choose a primary care provider (PCP) who coordinates your care, provides referrals to see specialists and obtains prior authorizations for medically necessary services. HMOs are designed to provide integrated, cost-efficient care with an emphasis on preventive care, with lower out-of-pocket costs than other types of plans. As with all U-M health plans, prescription drug coverage is included with enrollment.

View coverage levels and plan premiums on the GradCare Coverage Levels and Plan Premiums web page. If you are a graduate student but are not eligible for GradCare (enrolled in classes or between semesters - e.g., during spring/summer session), you may be able to enroll in the Domestic Student Health Insurance Plan.

For more information about coverage, call the Blue Care Network.

Additional Information

Summary of Benefits

Level 1 Providers (on and near campus)
- No annual deductible
- No out-of-pocket cost to you for preventive care
- $25 copay for office visit for injury or illness ($0 copay at University Health & Counseling)
- $30 copay for specialist visit
- $25 copay for urgent care
- $100 copay for emergency care (waived if admitted)
- $25 copay for mental health, behavioral health and substance abuse services
- No out-of-pocket cost to you for inpatient services
- No out-of-pocket cost to you for outpatient surgery
- $3,000 individual/$6,000 family out-of-pocket maximum (Levels 1, 2 and 3 combined)
Level 2 Providers (off-site academic study or field placement)
- Level 2 benefits are the same as Level 1, except inpatient services are covered only in case of medical emergency. Registration with BCN and prior authorization are required. Care must be medically necessary.
Level 3 Providers (traveling or during non-working school breaks)
- Level 3 benefits are the same as levels 1 and 2, except you are responsible for any charges above the BCN fee schedule. Prior authorization is required, and care must be medically necessary.

Important Plan Details

Includes Michigan Medicine, University Health & Counseling and BCN GradCare network providers.
Most providers are conveniently located on or near campus.
Out-of-network, non-emergency services are not covered unless you receive special permission from the plan.
For additional savings using pre-tax dollars, consider enrolling in a Health Care Flexible Savings Account (FSA), if you're eligible.
Where to get your diabetes supplies
Coverage overview for gender-affirming services
Coverage overview for infertility benefits
Plan coverage for neurodevelopment disorders
Coverage overview for hearing aids and services
Vaccine coverage in provider offices and pharmacies

To help you better understand your GradCare coverage, view the two-minute video below:

Find a Participating Provider

Search the Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Care Network website to locate a participating GradCare provider or determine if your doctor accepts this plan.

Plan Documents

GradCare 2026 Benefits-at-a-Glance
GradCare 2026 Summary of Benefits and Coverage
GradCare 2026 Certificate of Coverage
GradCare 2026 Hearing Benefits
GradCare Off-Site Registration Form (required for Level 2 care)
- The department administrators can email the completed form to BCN at [email protected]. However, they should be aware that the form must include the specific program date span (begin date mm/dd/yyyy, end date mm/dd/yyyy) and the department head signature. If the department head is unable to sign, the department administrator should include in the body of the email that the form is "an approved off-site registration for (name and ID)."
Benefits Enrollment Change Form (for benefit-eligible fellowship holders and medical students) (STV)

Plan Contact Information

800-658-8878

Blue Care Network
20500 Civic Center Drive
Southfield, MI 48076

Group number: 00124316

Benefits Office

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