HCC changes for 2026-27

THIS IS A DRAFT PAGE, still in development. Please share thoughts on additions, clarifications, etc.

 

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 their program level or enrollment date. 

    As are premiums for the DU Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), the Health Fee is billed to students’ central Student Billing account.

  • 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. (Please read on for roll-out details.) This means:

    • All students (including those on SHIP) are likely to have out-of-pocket expenses each HCC visit, such as copays.
    • As we accept your specific insurance plan, 
      • The HCC will then bill your insurance plan (including SHIP)
      • that 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). 

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

    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.

    As with most other health providers, your particular costs will depend on your coverage, and could be updated after the HCC bills your insurance.

     

    When

    For Law/semester students, the changes will take effect August 1st 2026.

    For quarter students, on September 1st 2026.

     

    Summary of what to expect based on your insurance coverage:

    DU Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)

    As noted above, all students—including those on SHIP—will now be expected to pay visit co-pays (usually $25) and/or other HCC service fees (for labs, procedures, etc) when using HCC medical or counseling services. This is just as you would when using SHIP or other insurance at most off-campus, community-based providers.

    However, unlike in past years, amounts paid to the HCC will be applied toward your SHIP's annual deductible and out-of-pocket maximums. This means your insurance will pay more costs, sooner, as you can more quickly reach those annual limits.

    Note that even if your academic program covers the cost of SHIP premium (and/or Student Health Fee), you are responsible for these service costs. 

     

    Own, non-DU insurance (have approved SHIP waiver)

    Currently, non-SHIP students (except Medicaid) can use HCC medical and counseling services, but pay entirely out-of-pocket, and then can submit the HCC receipt for possible reimbursement from your plan. 

    While not available yet, we are finalizing contracts with multiple insurance plans, including Colorado Medicaid, to become “in network” providers. The HCC will notify students as we are able to bill their insurance plan directly, based on information submitted for SHIP waiver. Students will be responsible for copays and other costs in keeping with the specifics of their coverage.

     

    Colorado HealthFirst (Medicaid)

    The HCC is not yet a Medicaid-approved provider; so students on Medicaid are not yet able to use scheduled HCC clinical services. Please continue using off-campus, approved providers. We will notify you as soon as we receive approval to see Colorado Medicaid patients! 

    Note that the HCC will not be able to accept non-Colorado Medicaid; students on other states'/nations' plans will need to accept and use the DU SHIP.

    Examples

    We have prepared a few examples of common visit types and likely costs.  TO BE ADDED

     

  • 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 much requested by students (and parents and staff); we’re sorry it is not fully ready for start of the school year as we’d hoped. We also recognize the details will be new for returning students, and represent a major change in how clients/patients pay for care at the HCC.

    But 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 will also bring HCC model more in line with other campus health centers and community-based US insurance/provider systems, providing students with additional preparation for navigating the 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 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 parents/partner login access to your HCC MyHealth portal (which we advise against), they will be able to see details of services, tests, charges, etc. Additionally, if you use a parent/partner’s insurance plan for services at the HCC, they may be able to see details on that plan’s records. This is the same 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 medical provider. CAPE survivor support. And a range of prevention, education, and involvement opportunities through the new Thrive / Rec & Wellness hub.

     

    • All students should make annual insurance decision (accept DU Student Health Insurance Plan or request waiver) online by posted deadlines.
    • The DU SHIP continues to be a platinum-level plan at bronze-level prices, based on Colorado marketplace rates. 
      • Per Colorado Sun, in 2026, estimated monthly health insurance premiums for a 20-year-old in Colorado are expected to rise to approximately $571 for unsubsidized, benchmark plans--a significant increase from 2025. Bronze plans can run $350–450.
    • 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. 

    Below is a list of most of these notices, FYI:

 

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