WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2005
4A THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
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Stacy currently doesn't have insurance. A health plan is available through her job, but at $200 a month and with severe limitations. Stacy has chosen not to pay for the plan. She keeps her fingers crossed and hopes nothing will happen.
"It just takes one bad turn and I probably couldn't afford school." Stacy said.
Bryan Allen, Manhattan
ON THE MARKET
The University of Kansas offers an insurance plan for students, but that isn't the only option. Other insurance companies offer plans for students. These plans are available for larger medical expenses or to cover students between semesters or after graduation.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas
- AffordaBlue
- Short Term Medical Plan
State Farm Insurance
Student Select
NEWS
American Family Insurance ♦ Limiterm
Sources: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas, State Farm Insurance, American Family Insurance
senior, also counts on something not happening. His parents' insurance plan covers him for now, but it will expire after he graduates this month. Until he finds a job or is accepted to a graduate school with health care plans, he said he'll be on the "aspirin and hope" plan.
Allen understands his family's insurance policy and knows what it covers. His parents expected him to be familiar with the policy before he came to the University of Kansas.
"Part of going to college is being prepared for the worst," he said.
Miles Garrett doesn't have the benefit of a family insurance policy. The Newton senior is independent of his parents and receives no financial aid from them.
Insurance
Garrett has tried to find a health insurance policy, but all the plans have been out of his price range, just as they were for Stacy.
While he has no major health problems, Garrett has had a few close calls. Shortly after coming to the University, he had an accident. A key stabbed through is hand after he fell from a ledge. The doctor at Watkins Memorial Health Center said he was lucky because the key came close to giving him permanent nerve damage. Such a visit at Watkins would cost between $80 and $140.
Stacy.
"I figured I could get insurance and go broke, or not get it, roll the dice and maybe go broke," Garrett said.
Sarah Stacy
Year: Senior
Insurance: None
◆ Why: Unable to afford it
Insurance opinion: A little concerned of something happening
BUDGET BUSTERS
Always be prepared — medical bills happen.
- Appendectomy
Removal of the appendix.
Cost: $12,095
Rotator cuff surgery
Rotator cuff surgery Repair of the muscles and tendons at joint of arm and shoulder. Cost: $13,600
Labor and delivery of an infant Cost: $7,500 to $12,000
Source: Mary Beth Fruton of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas
A University Plan for the Future
During new student orientation, the University encourages parents to go over their insurance policies with students before they enroll and leave home, said Carol Seager, director of Student Health Services.
Seager encourages students
which are a form of preventive care.
Matt Overstreet, Augusta law student, would like the University to get more involved. He doesn't have health insurance, and doesn't think
figured I could get insurance and go broke, or not get it, roll the dice and maybe go broke."
Miles Garrett Newton senior
Newton senior
I”
to have health coverage for emergencies. Watkins only offers out-patient services such as office visits, basic first aid and lab work. Students may need coverage for surgery or overnight stays at other hospitals, she said.
The plan focuses on urgent care and is standard among insurance policies, Seager said.
MEGA policy is affordable or effective.
The state sanctions MEGA Life and Health Insurance as an insurance provider to students. MEGA offers a plan tailored to students at schools governed by the Board of Regents.
"Most plans focus on treatment instead of prevention," she said.
Because the University requires students to have them before enrollment, MEGA does cover some immunizations,
a health
p l a n
through
tuition.
Such a policy
might provide
better coverage for a cheaper price because it would be tailored to a group, rather than an individual.
The University doesn't offer educational sessions about health insurance, Seager said, but the insurance office in Watkins does offer students one-on-one meetings about the MEGA policy.
To pay off the medical bills from her broken arm, Warner had take out a loan so she could continue attending school while paying off her medical expenses.
Two years after her accident, Warner has paid off her medical bills and has a full-time job with health benefits. This time, however, she said she made sure to read the complete policy.
Miles Garrett
— Edited by Megan Claus
Why: Independent from family, unable to afford it
Insurance opinion: Not too concerned
Myrinda Warner
Age. 24, graduate of the University
Insurance: United Health Care She is
Policy opinion: She is happy with the coverage her policy provides
INSURANCE CUT OFFS
The age at which students are dropped from a parent's or guardian's health plan varies among insurance companies. Check with your provider.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas: age 23
- **Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas:** age 2
- **State Farm Insurance:** age 24*
- **American Family Insurance:** age 25*
*dependent must be full-time student (taking nine credit hours)
Sources: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas, State Farm Insurance American Family Insurance
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