University of Maryland Baltimore announced on June 12th that it would change the student health insurance coverage offered by the school from CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield to United Healthcare Student Resources. This change impacts all students enrolled in the UMB student health insurance plan for the 2019-2020 school year.

A contract between UMB and United Healthcare would not be compliant with state regulations that are intended to prevent state entities from entering into contracts with companies that discriminate against protected classes. There is compelling evidence that United Healthcare has discriminated against beneficiaries disabled my mental health and substance use disorders in making coverage determinations.

• The recent Wit vs. United Behavioral Health decision demonstrates such discrimination: Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C. Spero ruled United Healthcare and its subsidiaries used unreasonable and overly restrictive guidelines in denying coverage for mental health and substance use disorder services to thousands of patients, some of whom lost their lives as a result. 

Therefore, any contract between UMB and United Healthcare Student Resources would violate MD Code, State Fin & Proc § 19-101.   

United is also in violation of Maryland's Network Adequacy wait time standards (COMAR §31.10.44.05). This is particularly apparent when it comes to timely access to behavioral health and urgent care services.

How could this change in coverage impact UMB students?

• Fewer in-network provider options & longer wait times
• Many students' only option to access necessary health care services will be to receive them out-of-network. Out-of-network care is subject to "balance billing." This balance bill (the difference between insurer reimbursement and the provider's fee) does not go toward the low out of pocket maximum touted by the school and Gallagher Student Health in recent emails.
• Necessary health care services may not be covered for some students
• Limited access to timely inpatient and outpatient mental health and substance use disorder treatment, as evidenced in United Healthcare Choice Network Adequacy Report.

In a school, that is working toward social justice and health care equity, let's ensure our school embodies these values by enabling all students to have equitable access to health care services. Appropriate health coverage is the linchpin in many students' ability to access education. Given United Healthcare's long-standing track record of discrimination, this is not a company a state institution should be financially supporting.