Since both parts of the referendum failed we are faced with the difficult decision of implementing substantial cuts to the plan. We will send out a survey to get student’s opinion on what services are most important. We will take this information and balance it with the cost of the plan to determine what is removed from the plan.

Over the last two years the cost of the Health and Dental Plan has increased significantly. The goal of the referendum is to increase the price of the plan with the aim to provide a Health and Dental plan that benefits students. The referendum consists of two parts:

1. Do you approve of the NUGSS health & dental fee being increased by $58.65 for the upcoming 2025 to 2026 academic year?

2. Do you approve of the NUGSS health & dental fee being increased annually based on market rates, up to a maximum of 15% per year? (this maximum may be exceeded for the 2025-2026 academic year if the prior referendum question was approved.)

The initial increase of $58.65 aims to address the significant estimated price increase for the upcoming plan renewal.

The annual increase of up to 15% will allow us to maintain the services the plan provides in the coming years and keep up with inflation.

We will send out a survey on March 28, via the NUGSS President email, to identify what services matter to students the most. We will combine the feedback with the plan costs to determine what services to reduce. Our goal is to balance what students want with what reductions are necessary. Make sure to watch your email so you can make your opinion heard!

Pacific Blue Cross (our insurance provider) has indicated in order to keep the same services that we have now there would be a price increase of approximately 60% ($140.76 per person). Unfortunately the plan is capped at $234.60 from a previous referendum. Without an increase in the Health and Dental fee we are unable to provide the same amount of coverage for the current price of the plan.

Pacific Blue Cross (our insurance provider) is increasing our rate per person for the health and dental plan by approximately 60%. This has caused a significant increase in the cost of health and dental plans. We have tried to maintain the same price for as long as possible, but the price increase is too significant now to remain the same.

We have tried to keep the cost of the plan as low as possible for students for as long as possible. Until now, there hasn't been an increase in our plan cost (charged by the insurance company) that has caused the plan cost to be more than the $234.60 collected per student.

Earlier this year, we received information that Pacific Blue Cross is planning to increase our plan price by approximately 60%.

While we do have a reserve fund collected from health and dental plan fees to help offset this increase, it is insufficient to cover the entire cost. As a result, we face a difficult decision: either increase the price of the plan or significantly reduce the services provided.

No, students are able to opt-out of the plan during the opt-in, opt-out period as long as you have sufficient coverage. For more details about opting in or out please visit our Health and Dental Page.