Upcoming Health Insurance Changes for Domestic Students

Over the past several years the landscape of student health insurance has significantly changed. At UB, we have experienced a consistent decline in participants for the UB domestic health insurance plan, coupled with the rising costs and the availability of a robust health insurance marketplace.

As a result of these ongoing challenges, we commissioned a small working group to evaluate and make recommendations to address the ongoing viability of our UB sponsored domestic health insurance plan moving forward.

After a comprehensive review, the advisory group recognized the growing challenges facing the continuation of the insurance plan. Based on their research, we have chosen to discontinue the domestic health insurance plan offered by the university to our students beginning in the fall 2024 semester. Additionally, we will no longer mandate health insurance for domestic students attending the University at Buffalo. Health insurance will remain mandatory for international students/scholars, students participating in study abroad programming and intercollegiate athletes.

The university does, however, highly recommend that all students carry health insurance to meet any unexpected expenses created by unplanned injury, illness or hospitalization which could cause financial difficulties.

Low cost, quality health insurance is available through the New York State of Health Individual Marketplace for those students in need of a new health insurance plan. Navigators (or In-Person Assistors) can provide personal enrollment assistance to students who would like help applying for health insurance through the New York State of Health Individual Marketplace. To learn more, visit https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 1-855-355-5777.

It is recommended that as students evaluate health insurance plans, they ensure plans provide the following coverage:

• Adequate health insurance coverage for non-emergency medical care
• Local provider/services access in the Western New York area (i.e., outpatient specialty care)
• Emergency room coverage
• Coverage for labs, testing, Physical Therapy
• Prescription medication coverage

Students needing assistance can consult with staff in the UB Student Health Insurance office, located in 1Capen.

Given the broader availability of cost-effective health insurance options available through the Marketplace, we are confident that the discontinuation of this service should not negatively impact the wellbeing of our student community which is always at the forefront of our decision-making process.