HCC changes for 2026-27

As is being shared with students, families, and campus partners in various ways (see bottom of page for examples), the 2026-27 academic year will include several changes to Health & Counseling Center (“HCC”)-related services and billing practices, summarized below. 

These will apply to Law/semester students as of August 1st, and to quarter students as of September 1st.

  • Student Health Fee

    Each enrolled term, ALL eligible students will be billed the same, single Student Health Fee (was the “Health & Counseling Fee, HCF”) to support campuswide health and wellness resources. Like technology or activity fees, this cannot be waived or reduced, regardless of your program level or enrollment date.

    As are premiums for the DU Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), the Health Fee is billed to students’ central account with the Student Billing office, who handle late fees and payment plans. Contact Financial Aid for questions about your awards and using aid toward SHIP and Fee.

  • HCC clinical services billed to insurance, including SHIP

    Beginning this fall, the HCC will begin charging most medical and counseling services to students’ health insurance, including DU SHIP. This means all students (including those on SHIP) are likely to have out-of-pocket expenses each HCC visit, such as copays.

    • For students on SHIP and other plans we DO accept, 
      • you will pay the copay shown on our insurance card;
      • the HCC will then bill your insurance plan (including SHIP), and follow up if additional amounts are due from or to you, based on specific services and coverage;
      • these expenses may also be applied toward each patient's annual accumulations, such as deductible and/or out-of-pocket maximum, according to the terms of their specific insurance policy (DU SHIP or other). 

     

    • For students whose plans we do NOT yet accept (or who would prefer not to use their insurance), you can "self-pay" the out-of-pocket cost, and then submit the HCC receipt to your plan for possible reimbursement. 

     

    So, HCC Service Fees will change, with the out-of-pocket costs determined by the student’s specific insurance plan and annual deductible/out-of-pocket max status. Co-pays will be due at the appointment, with any follow-up charges (eg costs not covered by insurance) billed or overpayments credited to your HCC account.

    This is all as would be the case when using an off-campus, community-based provider.

    Please visit our Using & Paying for HCC Services page for more details.
  • Why these changes?

    The new Thrive+ organizational structure brings together proactive physical and relational wellness programs within Division of Student Affairs, and more intentional institutional efforts to support well-being as part of the 4D Experience.

    The 3rd party insurance acceptance has been several years in the making, and was much requested by students (and parents and staff). This requires some standardizing of charges in line with carrier contracts.

    We recognize the details will be new for returning students especially, and represent a major change in how clients/patients pay for care at the HCC. Altogether, these financial updates will expand student access to the convenient, good value, and high quality HCC medical and counseling care, as well as stabilize funding for a range of current campus health services and strategic initiatives. 

    While not the driving force, these changes also bring the HCC model more in line with other campus health centers and community-based US insurance/provider systems, providing students with additional preparation for navigating post-college health systems.

  • What's NOT changing?

     

    • The HCC clinic offers convenience, quality, and value through on-campus locations, integrated medical and mental health care by a range of professional staff, and with significantly lower appointment wait times than most off-campus providers. We continue to offer telehealth services, 24/7 on-call providers, and the MyHealth online portal (24/7 access to records, provider messaging, and appointment scheduling). We are open during academic breaks, including summers.
    • Eligibility. HCC clinical services are available to undergraduate or graduate students, full and part-time, who are in in-person (vs largely/entirely online), degree-seeking DU programs (vs certificate only, enrichment).
    • Self-pay option. Students can still pay for most services entirely out-of-pocket (no insurance), though details would still be recorded in your MyHealth record.
    • Privacy. Student records continue to have the same level of legal and policy protections.
      • Note that if you’ve given someone (parent, partner, etc) login access to your HCC MyHealth portal (which we advise against), they will be able to view details of services, tests, charges, etc. 
      • Additionally, if you use a parent/spouse’s insurance plan for services at the HCC, they may be able to see details on that plan’s records. This is the same as if you use an off-campus provider.
    • No-cost health supports continue to be available: 
      • Drop-in mental health consultations (Monday through Friday, 1-3pm, at Ritchie Center)
      • 24/7 phone access to medical and mental health providers for triage
      • CAPE survivor support
      • And a range of prevention, education, and involvement opportunities through the new Thrive / Rec & Wellness hub

     

    • All students should act on annual insurance decision (accept DU Student Health Insurance Plan or request waiver) online by posted deadlines. The online portal is now open, for students who have registered for fall classes.
    • The DU SHIP continues to be a platinum-level plan at bronze-level prices, based on Colorado marketplace rates. 
      • Per The Colorado Sun, in 2026, estimated health insurance premiums for a 20-year-old in Colorado are expected to rise to approximately $571/month for unsubsidized, benchmark plans--a significant increase from 2025. Bronze plans can run $350–450 monthly. (SHIP will be ~$367/month.)
    • Students requesting insurance waiver should pay other DU charges while request processes.
    • New year SHIP coverage begins August 1st (for Law/semester students) or September 1st (for quarter students).
    • Students can use SHIP at off-campus providers, and do not require a referral from the HCC. Check the Anthem website for local/national in-network providers.
  • Communications

    Campus-wide communication regarding these updates began during the summer, shared with both current and incoming students. This HCC website provides full details and ongoing reference; and our staff are available to answer questions. 

    These notices have included:

 

Still have questions about how this applies to you? Feel free to email hccinfo@du.edu, or call 303.871.2205 during business hours.