International students question Central Michigan University’s health insurance policy

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A recent proposal for health insurance has some international students upset.

Central Michigan University recently proposed a new health insurance policy according to a mass e-mail sent to international students last week. This policy will begin in fall 2010, automatically enrolling students in the “CMU Student Injury and Sickness Insurance Plan” upon registration.

The insurance charges will be sent to students’ university accounts and only limited exceptions will be approved.

Trinidad and Tobago graduate student Annalyn Jacob said she thinks the policy is not balanced.

“That is unfair to force the students to have insurance without offering them alternatives,” Jacob said. “I think it was something that was rushed for one thing, because students weren’t consulted on it and I don’t think everyone even knew about the policy.”

Angela Smith, assistant director of business services for Health Services, sent a list of several requirements for the insurance policy. The policy must be in English, last a full year, have an annual deductible lower than $250, minimum of $1,000 of prescription coverage and cover labs and x-rays at a minimum of $1,500.

By May 15, international student representatives have to choose four alternative policies, according to Health Services.

“We understand the need for insurance but, at the same time, they have to allow exceptions to fit students’ budgets,” Jacob said.

Lack of affordability

One of the main concerns some international students voiced about the policy is its year-long coverage.

Nigeria graduate student Gabriel Emadamerho said the health insurance policy is a heavy burden for international students to bear if they will not be in America the entire time.

“We pay a huge amount of tuition fees compared to what Americans are paying,” he said. “They put some barriers on it, and this makes it difficult for students who cannot afford this policy to cover all this.”

Emadamerho plans to go to Nigeria for the summer and still is not sure if he will be held responsible for paying the unused insurance.

Korea graduate student Mihyang An said she hopes international students find their own solutions and negotiate with CMU.

“What I am concerned with this health insurance issue is that I have to buy a new (policy), because I already have health insurance which I bought in my country, Korea, when I came here,” An said.

Nepal senior Pratik Chhetri said international students should be given as many options as American students in terms of insurance.

“College is already expensive, international students pay more than double of what American students pay,” Chhetri said.

He said a compromise between administration and international students should happen soon.

“I am pretty sure we will come to a common point,” he said. “We have been already asked for a couple alternatives to the university’s plan.

A new plan

Smith could not immediately comment on the issue.

After an informal meeting last week, a group of international students decided that, by today, any other international students should find one health insurance plan meeting CMU’s requirements and post the link on their Facebook group, according to another mass e-mail sent to many international students by Nigeria junior Evelyn Famutimi, president of African Student Association.