OUR VIEW: A healthy dose of insurance savings

In a student’s life there are many unknowns – what to major in, how many courses to take a semester, who to date this weekend – but there are always two things a student can count on: rising education costs and pricey health care costs.

But then again, the latter is a problem that plagues much of this country, as can be attested by the heated presidential race about whether or not universal health care will really curtail health insurance problems or whether some measure of reform is needed. At any rate, any shopper of health insurance knows it’s no easy choice, and the prices can be steep. This is especially so for students, who are already pressed for funds.

But gambling health because of a lack of money is a dangerous game. Some will not need health insurance during their time at USU, but others will, and if not insured, the medical bills can be extremely pricey.

USU has its own health insurance option for students, providing an option that can save students from high bills. While this health insurance may not be right for all students, it does have some features that are appealing, especially the benefit of the insurance program accepting any student, regardless of preexisting conditions. Most health insurance companies shun people with preexisting problems, which seems to contradict the idea of offering help to those who truly need medical assistance. One downside to the school’s health insurance has traditionally been the high cost associated with it. But that will soon change.

Starting in August, premiums for those insured by USU’s insurance will decrease by 30 to 34 percent, costing around $1,165 per student a year. This is all made possible because graduate students will now have to pay more in premiums. But before graduate students flip out, realize the cost is only about an extra $20 increase in premiums per graduate student per year. That’s not bad, especially when some grad students – like teacher’s assistants and research assistants – can qualify for a subsidy.

Grad students are in a different situation than undergrads. They go to grad school knowing it is likely going to cost more than school as an undergrad did. Part of those high costs will now be a mandatory health insurance requirement. This is a common requirement to attend graduate school in many other universities in the country. By following the trend, USU’s graduate students will be better protected, and the health insurance program as a whole benefits, passing on the savings to undergraduates as well.

We feel this is a good initiative that will benefit many students. Health insurance is expensive and anything that can bring those costs down is a good thing. While we don’t endorse USU’s health insurance over any other, we are glad to see them making efforts to meet students’ needs.