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Regents committee approves 6% reduction in student health insurance premiums for plan year 2025–26
Summary
The Board of Regents governance committee voted to recommend a 6% premium decrease across four student health plans for plan year 2025–26 after staff said claims experience improved and reserves remain appropriate. The committee voted unanimously to forward the recommendation to the full board.
The Board of Regents Governance Committee voted to recommend a 6% across‑the‑board reduction in student health and prescription insurance premiums for plan year 2025–26 after staff reported improved claims experience and sufficient reserve levels.
The committee’s recommendation followed a presentation by Jeff DeWitt, who told the committee the student pool is about 6,000 lives across four plans and that experience during the COVID years had driven up prior premiums. DeWitt said recent claims experience “got a lot better” and that a 6% decrease reflects both the current trends and prudent reserve levels. He and the committee emphasized the goal of returning dollars to plan participants while avoiding a sharp premium rebound in a subsequent year.
Why it matters: The change affects students who are required to carry insurance, international students and students who purchase the university plan. Committee members said a premium decrease is unusual in the current national market and welcomed what they called a responsible return of funds to participants.
Committee action and next steps: Regent Rolfe moved to approve the committee recommendation; Regent Blake Flanders seconded the motion. Committee members voiced approval and the motion passed by voice vote with no recorded opposition. The committee chair said the recommendation will be taken to the full Board of Regents for final approval at a forthcoming board meeting.
Details and staff rationale: DeWitt said the 6% figure is intended to preserve appropriate reserves while reflecting improved utilization and claims trends. He described the number as “a prudent recommendation” aimed at avoiding large volatility in future rates. Committee members asked whether the 6% was a maximum; DeWitt replied the figure reflects available experience and reserves and that it applies equally to all four pools. No additional, legally binding details about implementation dates beyond the plan year reference were specified in committee materials.
Vote at a glance: The committee recorded a voice vote to forward the premium recommendation. The motion was moved by Regent Rolfe and seconded by Regent Blake Flanders; committee members responded “aye” and no opposition was recorded.
Background: UnitedHealthcare serves as the carrier for the student plans. Committee materials presented by staff summarized prior-year experience and recommended the reduction; committee members and student representatives participated in the review process.
The committee also approved the meeting minutes earlier in the session by voice vote and will present both the minutes and the premium recommendation to the full board for action.
