6A the university daily kansan
news
monday, march 1, 2004
UNINSURED: Some dropped from family plans
CONTINUED FROM 1A
into this uninsured category. Students are finding themselves stuck in this transitional period from being on their family policy to one of their own.
Overall health and well-being
"The problem is students are moving from dependency to independence and some students have not been taught about how insurance works," said Napoleon Crews, associate director of administrative operations for Watkins Memorial Health Center.
Kansas Health Institute's Index of Overall Health and Well-being for 1985 to 1995 shows that Douglas County is ranked as one of the 21 lowest counties in terms of overall health and well-being. Higher scores on the index suggest higher levels of overall health and well-being.
But Watkins can't meet everybody's needs. Students with medical emergencies must go to the emergency room at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, 325 Maine St. A trip to the emergency room could be costly.
Doctors at Watkins will not deny any student of medical treatment. They don't let money stand in the way of giving medical attention, Crews said. Watkins is willing to work with students without insurance for any medical bill they might have there. The business office offers a payment plan or can adjust payment based on the student's income.
The Kansas Board of Regents and the Kansas Health Care Commission accepted a bid from the MEGA Life and Health Insurance Company, of Oklahoma City, to offer students a University health care plan. The regular insurance plan offers students a $580.50 annual fee. The plan covers just health care with a $150 deductible. It doesn't cover dental or vision./About 1,300 students took advantage of the University's insurance plan in 2002.
Regardless of whether a student has health insurance, he or she is able to be examined by a doctor or nurse at Watkins for free. Students are entitled to these visits by paying their student health fee at enrollment. The fee covers doctor visits at Watkins, but does not cover lab fees, prescriptions and other medical services.
"Students should take advantage of their school's insurance plan," said Belinda Rehmer, spokeswoman for Lawrence Memorial Hospital. "It may look as though you are paying a lot, but if you ended up in the emergency room without insurance it could
cost more than the insurance would have."
Lawrence Memorial Hospital also offers its patients a payment plan, or bases the cost on the patient's income. A visit to the emergency room could be three times more expensive than seeing a normal doctor, Rehmer said.
Some employers offer part-time employees insurance options, but the requirements can be demanding for a college student.
Comaeho works at Gap, 634 Massachusetts St. She has looked into her company's health plan.
"It would only take out about $75 a month out of my paycheck," Comacho said. "The problem is that I would have to work 30 to 40 hours a week to get the part-time benefits."
Even though Comacho doesn't have health insurance, she has other options.
Uninsured Kansans under 65
Statewide, the highest rate of the uninsured (19.8%) is among young adults age 19 to 24. Children and older adults have comparatively lower rates. Figures represent the percentage of uninsured in each age group.
Heartland Medical Center is located in the basement of Heartland Church, 619 Vermont St. It offers discounted medical care to the uninsured, and a low cost for the insured. The clinic has two full-time doctors during the week and prescription drugs donated by several pharmaceutical companies. It also has partnerships with individual pharmacies in Lawrence that will provide discounted prescriptions.
Source: Kansas Insurance Department
Sean Smith/Kansan
Amy Berthold, clinic director, that without the clinic, they wouldn't have any other options.
A lot of the clinic's clients told
—Edited by Collin LaJoie
UNIFORM: Donors question color decision for new atti
CONTINUED FROM 1A
they will hopefully realize what the design is for," Kennedy said.
Hudson said he hoped the uniforms would attract more students to the band.
"It's hard to imagine 170 people on the field right now, but you're going to see a lot of crimson and blue."
"I think we're headed in the right direction, and the uniforms will sure help," he said.
friends in the band.
While the Finchams didn't like so much black on the uniforms, they said they still wanted to support the band. Gary graduated from the University, and Susan said they had
"We think they should be reimbursed for their time," Susan said. "I'm sorry to see the program diminishing, and I want to see if they can get it up to the numbers that it once had."
"The black just doesn't seem right. I would like to see our true colors. And Gary (her husband) says they're hideous."
Edited by Collin LaJoie
Susan Fincham Lawrence resident and donor
RETIRES: Losing a great teacher
CONTINUED FROM 1A
be inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame later this year, received a standing ovation from Jayhawk and Cornhusker fans alike.
Washington, in addition to her coaching achievements, will be remembered for her genuine care for her players and the University of Kansas during her stay.
Washington finished her career with a 559-356 overall record in her 31 years at Kansas. She is one of only nine coaches in women's basketball history to amass more than 500 victories with the same school. Her 31 years of experience also ranks as the second-highest in women's history.
She led the Jayhawks to 11 NCAA tournaments, including nine straight from 1991-2000. Hert teams at Kansas won the conference title seven times, and Washington won conference Coach of the Year in three different seasons. Her teams reached the Sweet 16 in both 1995-1996
"It's not a business for her," Kansas athletics director Lew Perkins said. "It's a passion."
"It was one of those inspirational speeches, telling us what she had to do for herself," junior guard Aquanita Burras said, "and we understood that."
Perkins said Washington contacted him earlier in the week about her decision to retire, though official word did not come until Friday afternoon.
Washington then had her final meeting with her team as the head coach, giving one last emotional talk.
"As an athlete, you can be very selfish, but the key to living is giving. I'm glad I learned that valuable lesson from
HEARD on the HILL
Perkins said when healthy, Washington would be welcomed back to the department with open arms.
her. It has made my life a total blessing every day."
"Just to learn the value of education, learn about the opportunities available to me as a player, and just to grow in life," Woodard said. "She's really had a tremendous hand in that."
Woodard said Washington taught her much more than basketball during their time together.
"I just told her," Perkins said, "she'll always be a part of our family."
He said plans were already under way to find Washington a position in the department when she felt up to the challenge.
Lynette Woodard,
Interim women's
basketball coach
Woodard played for Washington at Kansas from 1978-1981, becoming the most prolific scorer in women's basketball history with 3,649 points. She has also coached under Washington at Kansas for five seasons, pursuing her coaching interests after playing in the WNBA.
Washington brought exposure not only to the University of Kansas, but also to the game itself.
"She's a very, very, very wonderful person," Perkins said, "who besides being a great basketball coach and a pioneer, really did care about the kids."
Edited by Cindy Yeo
She was instrumental in pursuing the growth of both women's basketball and other women's collegiate sports.
Interim coach Lynette Woodard may know coach Washington best of all the jayhawks.
"I know she pioneered for a lot of people. We'll miss her a great deal. She's got an opportunity now to find another passion and continue to be happy and healt
Ray Bechard,
Volleyball
coach
and 1997-1998
"A lot of young people have benefitted from her expertise and devotion to the sport. I wish her the very best. She is truly a"1
Mark Mangino,
Football coach
BIG BLUE MONDAY!
With the outcome of the guys game this weekend,
you receive 15% off all KU Merchandise, School and Art Supplies, General Books and Greeting Cards! Discounts based on scores from weekend game, minimum 10%, maximum 30%.
60-69 points = 10%.
70-79 = 15%.
80-89 = 20%.
90-99 = 25%.
over 100 = 30%.
*Some restrictions apply. See store for details.
1