Friday, August 22, 2008
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Fall/Spring semester rates (per semester cost):
$409 for students, $2098 for student plus spouse, $1864 for student and all children, $3553 for student, spouse and all children Summer plan rates: $180 for students $921 for student plus spouse $818 for student and all children $1559 for student, spouse and all children Annual plan rates: $998 for students $5117 for student plus spouse $4546 for student and all children $8665 for student, spouse and all children
Source: www.uhcsr.com and Watkins Memorial Health Center
A newly revised student health insurance plan is now available to KU students looking for coverage this academic year.
The new plan, which the Kansas Board of Regents oversees, offers coverage for students for less than $1,000 per year.
The injury and sickness insurance plan is designed specifically to cater to international, health science and graduate students. While many graduate students are eligible for GTA/GRA coverage, the ones who are not can apply for the new plan.
Diana Malott, assistant director of Student Health Services at Watkins Memorial Health Center, said she was pleased with the changes the new plan included, such as raising the dollar amount for which students would be covered.
“Coverage is just much better with the new plan,” Malott said. “We’ve really seen enrollment start to climb.”
Malott said she didn’t have enrollment numbers because the plan is so new.
Though Malott said many health insurance plans cost less than the one being offered, she said cheaper plans usually come with fewer benefits.
One goal the insurance company, United Health Care and Student Resources, wanted to achieve was to keep the price for the revised plan less than $1000.
“What we want to really do here is provide students with what they need,” Malott said.
Hannah Hendricks, El Dorado first-year pharmacy student, recently applied for the new insurance plan. She said that the plan was cost-effective, which worked well for students who are short on cash. Although she had not had any serious medical issues, she said having the insurance made her feel more secure.
“I went four years without insurance,” Hendricks said. “Don’t go without it because something will happen, believe me.”
Some students are covered by their parents’ health insurance policy. Malott said most insurance policies discontinue that coverage when individuals reach age 23.
Andrea Gore, assistant supervisor of records and regulations at Watkins, said her son attended the University and was nearing that age. She said she would encourage him to look into getting health insurance, and that she would suggest the new plan. Gore also said the plan was reasonable and a good idea for people still in school but cut off from their parents’ plan.
Students can apply for the health insurance plan online or by mail. Applications are available in Watkins during business hours. Students can buy the policy annually or by semester on the United Health Care Web site at www.uhcsr.com, with prices varying accordingly.
The plan will be effective immediately for students needing quick coverage.
— - Edited by Adam Mowder
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