When my co-pay for doctor visits went up from $10 to $15 a few years ago I was shocked. When my prescription coverage changed, making medically unnecessary name- brand medications cost $25, I was appalled. When I found out the on-campus flu shot clinic run by Student Health would cost $30 for students on the campus healthcare plan, I was outraged.In writing this article, I have been forced to reconsider my stance.

Most of the people I have met who have the student health insurance policy are actually pleased with their coverage.

“I’m satisfied with it,” said senior Ian Smith. “It’s done its job as health insurance.”

The insurance costs $477. Any student who does not already have acceptable health insurance is required to purchase this insurance from United Healthcare. This covers office visits and prescription coverage.

When I first saw the $477 charge on my tuition for student health care, I could not believe people were expected to pay nearly $500 for a service they may not want and that was not necessary to their education.

In reflection, I realize student healthcare is valuable to the campus community. If students are unable to afford a doctor’s visit while sick, they may not get the treatment they need for an infection, like strep throat. A student with untreated strep throat would not only be severely endangering their own health, but would also create a risk for other students.

Originally, I was concerned student healthcare would not cover enough. With a campus flu shot clinic costing students with campus health insurance $30, I thought co-pays with student healthcare must be unusually high. A healthcare plan that could not cover a basic service like a flu shot – especially one offered on campus – did not seem to address the needs of a student.

The student health care plan has a co-pay of $25 for office visits. Students who have had prescriptions filled through the student healthcare say they have had prescriptions filled for around $10. Many of the students I have spoken with feel these are reasonable prices to pay for their healthcare. I have to agree.

If students are happy with their healthcare, it must not be as bad as I originally thought. Certainly, student healthcare is valuable to students who would otherwise not have coverage. Therefore, I am left to conclude student healthcare is beneficial.