The University of Nebraska has announced a plan to nullify increases in out-of-pocket costs and expand engagement in negotiations related to the student health insurance program.

In a June 6 letter to students, Hank Bounds, president of the NU system, said the university has identified a one-time solution that will hold students’ out-of-pocket limits unchanged at $2,200 from the current year.

Other recently announced student insurance updates — including increases in student premiums and prescription drug copayments — will go forward. Deductibles will remain unchanged at $500.

The updates are the result of a renegotiation with UnitedHealthcare Student Resources, the vendor through which the NU system offers its student health plan. UnitedHealthcare Student Resources was selected for student health needs through a competitive bid process in fiscal year 2017-2018.

The university has also partnered with UMR, a UnitedHealthcare company, since January 2019 for its self-insured benefits plan offered to employees. The plans for employees and students are not linked. The employee plan is not affected by the student renegotiation.

“The bad news is that this is a one-time solution,” Bounds said in the student message. “Healthcare costs continue to escalate, and I’m not optimistic that we will be able to prevent significant price increases in the future.”

Bounds said university leaders have started planning for student insurance coverage in the 2020-2021 academic year. He said the university will include students and faculty in the selection/negotiation process to help achieve the best possible outcome.

For more information about the University of Nebraska student insurance coverage, including eligibility requirements, click here.