California Lutheran University's Student Newspaper Since 1961

The Echo

California Lutheran University's Student Newspaper Since 1961

The Echo

California Lutheran University's Student Newspaper Since 1961

The Echo

    CLU students lose campus health insurance

    Health insurance is no longer offered to CLU students as of Aug. 1, 2012.

    When I received this reporting assignment, I admit I did not know much about the issue. I am fortunate enough to be under an external plan.

    As of July 1, 2012, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act have changed current health care laws, and California Lutheran University has deemed that it is no longer cost effective to provide health insurance for students. The recent changes in health care have implemented regulations on the amount of money health care providers can charge for services.

    Although much of the general public is pleased with this change, those who have been negatively affected by the recent act are unhappy

    Tuition, books and living costs are expensive to students and their families. The health care crisis adds to this list for students not covered under work policies, their parentsโ€™ plans or another policy separate from CLU.

    โ€œI think health care should be a choice not a requirement, but I do feel that the school should supply us with health care based off of all of the money we pay CLU ranging from tuition, books, commuting gas money, etc. It would help out people at least as long as they are full time students. It cuts the student a break and helps them out if they get sick,โ€ said senior Karissa Sherrill.

    Many students, like Sherrill, are opposed to the change this Act has caused CLU health insurance plans.

    Many students have an opinion on the topic, most of which seem to not be in favor of the change.

    โ€œPersonally I feel that I am not majorly affected by this change because I am on my parentsโ€™ insurance. I think that the school would have to charge us more for tuition anyways if they were to still offer us health care. So essentially the money we arenโ€™t being charged for health care at school can be put towards outside health care,โ€ said Sherrill.

    In an effort to mediate for the loss in health insurance, CLU has increased the amount of counseling services offered to students. According to the Business Administration Office and Student Affairs, โ€œThere will be additional medical staff and clinic hours have expanded.โ€

    โ€œI think itโ€™s stupid. They cut back on Cal Grants and financial aid already,โ€ said CLU transfer student Imelda Bealer. โ€œNow they are cutting health benefits as well.โ€

    Personally, I am on the fence about the issue. I feel that the government is imposing on healthcare providers and insurance companies by limiting the amount of money they can charge for services.

    On the other hand, under the new health care act, it is great that young adults can remain under their parentsโ€™ policies until age 26.

    CLU encourages students to take a look at their current health care plans and be aware of what health services they are eligible for.

    CLU staff obviously care for the well being of the student body and continue to provide in more ways than one.

    It is unfortunate that in addition to cutbacks in financial aid, some students are now faced with this dilemma.

    Hopefully this encourages allย  CLU students to be aware of their current insurance and health care policy, and to educate themselves on political issues regarding system changes.

    Courtney Moran
    Staff Writer
    Published Sept. 19, 2012

     

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