Statement from President Ojakian on Student Health Insurance Proposal

Today, the Board of Regents Finance and Infrastructure Committee approved a proposal that will eliminate the mandatory insurance plan currently offered at Connecticut State Universities. The plan was initially put in place before a number of changes to state and federal health insurance plans occurred. Additionally, enrollment has dropped year-to-year while annual premiums continued to increase. 

“While the current plan offers generous benefits, it is expensive and can be a barrier to access for some of our students, particularly those who are eligible for no-cost Medicaid coverage, or subsidized private coverage,” said President Ojakian. “We are working with several partners to educate students and help them make decisions about what plan is right for them.”

The Board of Regents will vote on the proposal at their next meeting on October 20, 2016

Background:

•  Last year, 11.4% of students system-wide enrolled in system plan, Central had 9% enrolled last year and is currently at 5.7% this year
•  Since the Affordable Care Act (ACA), dependents now have the option of staying on their parents health plan until age 26
•  The annual premium for the CSCU mandated is $2,953
• The expansion of Medicaid, federal subsidies and state exchanges offers plans at little or no cost to students