The College’s health insurance offering for students switched providers from Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of Massachusetts to UnitedHealthcare Student Resources this academic year. All services previously covered are included in the UnitedHealthcare plan. Under the new plan, students face higher copays for office visits — a $5 increase to $20 — and emergency room visits — a $100 increase to $200 — though these fees are waived if the student is admitted to the hospital. Last academic year’s plan under BCBS also covered fees associated with admitted hospital visits. The cost of an ambulance ride doubled under the new plan.
The change to the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)was motivated by sharp increases in annual premiums for the College’s agreement with BCBS, according to Associate Vice President for Student Affairs Jeff Malanson.
Last year, BCBS rates rose by approximately 16 percent, and the increase for the 2025-26 academic year was quoted at nearly double that, Malanson wrote in an email to the Record. “We thought that it was important to do a market review to see if we could secure a plan with comparable benefits at a lower rate of increase,” he wrote.
The College negotiated a plan with UnitedHealthcare that provides the same coverage level at a lower rate of increase. “We were able to secure a new agreement that offers the same benefits as our former BCBS plan and features only a 12 percent increase, along with a guaranteed rate cap for 2026–27,” Malanson wrote.
Following the announcement of the transition, students raised concerns about the higher out-of-pocket costs. Malanson emphasized that the changes were part of a conscious strategy that prioritized lower aggregate premiums.
The increase in ambulance costs, in particular, was a compromise the College felt was worthwhile for a better deal overall, Malanson said. “Adjusting the out-of-pocket cost for this one benefit helped lower the overall premium for all students.”
Prescription copays remain the same, and Malanson wrote that most providers and pharmacies, including all those frequently used by students, are covered under UnitedHealthcare’s network. “Students have the same benefits,” Malanson wrote. “This was an essential point of negotiation in our carrier transition.”
Malanson did note, however, that students have experienced difficulties with the new plan. “Several students have reported challenges navigating the new SHIP, and in most cases, we have been able to work with Gallagher [the College’s insurance brokerage] and [UnitedHealthcare] to address those difficulties,” he wrote.
Annual premiums for the new plan are $3,124 for year-long coverage, up from $2,838 last year, and $1,934 for spring-only enrollment. The plan is free for students on financial aid.
