The university created this pilot program to provide financial assistance to employees with a qualified annualized salary and who met the deductible for the plan and coverage tier they are enrolled in for 2026. The Safety Net amount covers all eligible Tier 1 claims incurred within the university’s medical plan (not dental or vision) above the deductible. ​ 

To qualify you must:​ 

• Be an active employee enrolled in one of the university’s medical plans for calendar year 2026.​
• Have an annualized salary on Jan. 1, 2026, or at the time of hire during 2026, that is less than or equal to $34,699 (based on the 2026 ACA Index). ​ 
• Meet the deductible of the enrolled medical plan and coverage tier and participate in the Specialty Access Program if applicable.​ 
• Must apply no later than Dec. 31, 2026. 

Benefits

• Eligible claims must be incurred on ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½â€™s medical plan (not dental/vision) during the program year (Jan. 1, 2026 – Dec. 31, 2026). 
• Eligible Tier 1 claims will be processed at 100% above the deductible for the remainder of the program year (Jan. 1, 2026 – Dec. 31, 2026).
• Eligible Tier 2 or out-of-network claims processed as if on regular PPO/HDHP, no Safety Net coverage. 

Safety Net Program Application