UT changes student insurance policy

July 06--Many University of Toledo students no longer will be required to have health insurance, at least not by UT.

UT changed its student health insurance policy to reflect national health care reforms and the ability to purchase plans through a health insurance marketplace, which began enrolling people in 2013.

Previously, students taking six or more on-campus credit hours per term were enrolled in health coverage offered by UT. They could opt out if they had other comparable health insurance, such as through a family member, employer, or another source.

UT trustees recently changed the policy to make insurance no longer mandatory for many students. Some international students and those in select programs, such as those studying to be a doctor or nurse, must carry insurance.

The university will continue to offer insurance plans, and students may voluntarily enroll if they are taking at least one credit hour per semester.

"With the passage of the Affordable Care Act, it became redundant for the university to mandate health insurance for students," university spokesman Meghan Cunningham said.

The change comes as a dwindling number of students elected to remain in UT plans. In fall of 2009, 4,253 students were insured through university-offered plans. By fall of 2014, the number had tumbled to 1,774.

Children are now allowed to remain on their parents' health insurance plans until age 26. Individuals also can purchase plans at various levels of coverage through an online exchange established as part of Obamacare.

The options have resulted in fewer students enrolling in plans offered through UT, Ms. Cunningham said.

"This change in policy should not affect the number of students who are uninsured," she said.

The law penalizes most people who can afford health insurance but choose not to buy it. For those without coverage in 2015, the fine is either 2 percent of yearly household income or $325 per person, whichever is higher.

A single student on a domestic plan offered through UT pays $3,659 for a year of coverage. There is no deductible if the student goes to a UT provider. The annual deductible is $150 for in-network but off-campus provider and $300 for out-of-network providers.

UT's plan is run by a subsidiary of Medical Mutual of Ohio and includes pharmacy coverage.

At Bowling Green State University, a student registered for eight or more credit hours on the main campus must either be covered by a health insurance plan that meets BGSU's requirements or enroll in a BGSU student plan.

About 2,000 students are enrolled in health coverage through the university. The number has not dropped significantly since the introduction of marketplace plans, officials said.

For a plan with a $1,500 deductible, a student pays $1,608 a year. For a plan with a $500 deductible, a student pays $1,786 annually. The plans include pharmacy coverage. The provider is United HealthCare Student Resources.

"Student insurance provides an important option for students to ensure that they are covered," said Dick Sipp, BGSU's associate vice president for student affairs and executive director for the Center for Health.

Owens Community College does not require students to have insurance or offer student health insurance, a spokesman said.

Contact Vanessa McCray at: [email protected] or 419-724-6065, or on Twitter @vanmccray.

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