Students enrolled in Cardinal Care will soon face higher premiums, following a switch to a new insurance provider. The University announced this change in July, revealing that students will pay an extra $612 annually due to the shift from Aetna Student Health to Wellfleet Student for the 2025-26 academic year.
In 2024, around 72% of graduate students and 34% of undergraduates were part of Cardinal Care, showcasing its popularity. University spokesperson Luisa Rapport explained that the change aimed to secure better services at a reasonable price.
This new insurance plan has moved from an Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) model to a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO). While this transition means broader access to healthcare providers, students are concerned about what the higher costs might entail.
Some students voiced their worries. Sinmi Sowande, a sophomore, stated, “Last year’s Cardinal Care worked well for me, especially with good copayments for eyewear and therapy. I’m anxious about losing those benefits or not being able to see my doctors.”
Additionally, the new plan will remove Aetna’s tiered structure, which allowed for lower copays for certain in-network providers. Now, students will pay standard copays for Blue Shield of California PPO providers in California and Cigna PPO providers outside the state.
Aman Dillon from the Pre-Medical Association noted, “While the plan has broader reach, it’ll also add a referral requirement for specialists. This could feel like unnecessary hurdles for students seeking care.”
Interestingly, Wellfleet promises to honor students’ existing authorizations from the previous plan until they expire or for six months, giving them some breathing room during this transition.
According to a recent survey by the College Health Association, about 65% of college students express concerns about healthcare access and affordability. As insurance changes often spark debate among students, reactions on social media highlighted similar worries. Many shared stories of how their current plan met their needs, creating a lively conversation about the value of good healthcare.
These changes reflect ongoing trends in student health insurance, with many universities reevaluating their plans to remain competitive and comprehensive. As students adapt to this new system, the impact on their health and wellbeing remains a critical topic.
For more details on the new insurance plan, check out the University’s Vaden Health Services Portal.
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