A proposed increase in coinsurance for specialty drugs has sparked significant concern among University of California (UC) community members. During the Board of Regents meeting on November 13, 2024, a speaker highlighted the drastic financial impact of the new policy, which raises the coinsurance rate to 30% with a cap of $150 per prescription for UC Blue and Gold and Kaiser HMO plans.

The speaker, who identified themselves as a family member of a patient requiring critical medication, expressed alarm over the staggering 500% increase in costs for a 28-day supply of a necessary drug, jumping from $25 to $150. "This is too much to bear," they stated, urging President Drake to reconsider the increase and maintain the previous coinsurance rate. The speaker emphasized the strain this change would place on their already tight budget, forcing them to cut back on essentials like food and utilities to afford life-saving medication.

The discussion around the coinsurance hike reflects broader concerns about healthcare affordability within the UC system. As the Board continues to evaluate its equity and excellence initiative, the implications of such financial changes on students and families remain a critical topic of debate. The meeting underscored the urgent need for the UC to balance budgetary constraints with the health and well-being of its community members.