FAQ: MIT Graduate Student Dental Plan

What does the plan cover?

Covered in full: Routine diagnostic and preventative services once every six months, including emergency exams and periodic X-rays. 
 
Covered at 80 percent after $50 deductible per member per year: Other dental services, such as fillings (tooth-color or silver) and root canal therapy. Download the Summary of Benefits for more information.

Who is eligible to enroll?

MIT graduate students enrolled in a degree-granting program.
 
Spouses/partners and dependent child(ren) of MIT graduate students. An MIT graduate student must be enrolled in the Plan in order for family members to be insured. 

Can I enroll my spouse or children?

Yes. If you enroll in the Plan, you can also enroll your spouse/partner and child(ren)/dependent(s).

What other dental insurance coverage options do I have if I am under age 19?

As part of Affordable Care Act requirements, the MIT Student Health Insurance Plan (MIT SHIP) provides some basic dental coverage for covered individuals younger than 19. See the Summary of Benefits for more information.

How much does it cost?

Premiums for the 2023-24 plan year are:

  • Full Year (September 1, 2023 – August 31, 2024)

    • Individuals: $570.72 per year; Families: $1,443.48 per year  

  • Fall Term Only (September 1, 2023 – January 31, 2024)

    • Individuals: $237.80; Families: $601.45 

  • Spring Term Only (February 1, 2024 – August 31, 2024)

    • Individuals: $332.92; Families: $842.03 

  • Summer Term Only (June 1, 2024 – August 31, 2024)

    • Individuals: $142.68; Families: $360.87 

Some graduate students may be eligible for subsidies to cover a portion of the individual dental premiums.

Note: The family rate is the same whether you choose to enroll only your spouse/partner, only your child(ren), or all of your eligible family members. The cost is also the same regardless of the number of children enrolled. 

When can I enroll?

You can enroll during the annual open enrollment period from July 15 to August 15.

What if I miss the sign-up window? Can I sign up after August 15 or in the middle of the school year?

You cannot sign up outside of the July 15–August 15 window or the October 24–November 24, 2023 enrollment period unless you lose your existing dental insurance or experience a “qualifying life event” — like getting married or having a baby. If you join in the middle of the year after a qualifying life event, you will be charged a prorated premium for the portion of the plan year for which you are enrolled.

Other dental plans with different enrollment periods may be available through the Massachusetts Health Connector or University Health Plans.

How long will I have coverage?

The plan's coverage year runs from September 1 to August 31 of the next year. 

Where can I use it?

You can use the Plan anywhere that accepts the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Dental Blue Program 1. This includes MIT Medical’s Dental Service, located on the fifth floor of building E23. You can make an appointment by dialing 617-253-1501.

Can I transfer my previous dental records to MIT Dental?

Yes. Just have your clinician send your X-rays and other information to mitdental@med.mit.edu. 

Is there a maximum benefit?

Yes. You may receive up to $1,500 in services per year. For more information, download the Summary of Benefits.

Are braces or other orthodontic services covered?

No. This plan does not include coverage for braces or orthodontics. Additionally, MIT Medical’s Dental Service does not offer orthodontic services, but they can direct you to orthodontists in the Cambridge area.

Do benefits roll over from year to year?

Yes, some benefits roll over to the next year if they are not used. If you have at least one dental appointment but use less than $700 in services in one year, you can roll over $500 of benefit to use the following year—or beyond, to a maximum of $1,250. Download the Summary of Benefits to learn more.

How do I enroll?

You may sign up during the annual open enrollment period or as the result of a qualifying event by, visiting Gallagher Student Health.

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