International student health insurance policy altered, per-semester payment now an option
The university health insurance policy for international students has been modified to include per semester coverage.
Several discussions were held with international students and university leadership groups in recent months to develop a more affordable insurance plan, said Tom Trionfi, director of contracting and purchasing services.
The policy was changed Sept. 30 and will now provide more options for outside coverage, along with allowing students to pay for single-semester coverage.
“The response to the changes in the policy have been positive,” Trionfi said. “It was evident that the majority of students did not oppose the requirement to have health insurance, but wanted the ability to have alternative coverage and an option to pay by semester.”
Several international students organized on Sept. 2 to protest the new health insurance policy and bring more attention to the financial obligations they felt they were faced with.
Bethlehem Legesse, Ethiopia graduate student and Student Government Association representative, said she is very satisfied the issues were resolved in a timely matter.
“We believe the revision to the policy would lift the financial burden on international students,” Legesse said. “And we also appreciate the understanding (University) Health Services has shown in the situation.”
She said in the future, the SGA diversity committee hopes university officials will consider the consequences new policies will have on underrepresented groups at CMU and to consult them beforehand.
Many students expressed financial concerns associated with limited insurance options and having to purchase a full year of coverage, which they would still have to pay for if they chose to return home during winter or summer breaks.
“The plan previously offered by the university was more expensive,” said Brittany Mouzourakis, SGA president and Garden City senior. “Students could receive coverage through another company for less money, but the coverage lasted a year.”
Changes to the health insurance policy will now provide an additional three outside providers students can choose from.
Mouzourakis said she wanted to help troubled students get the more affordable coverage they demanded.
“All of us at the Student Government Association are very excited with the results,” she said.
