TWUSA Prez unveils healthcare initiative

Posted by admin on Feb 2, 2010 in News | 0 comments

While Barack Obama’s healthcare initiative in the U.S. has taken over the news the past several months, Trinity Western is seeking its own healthcare proposal. Currently, TWUSA has opened an online forum on its website, www.twusa.ca, for students to respond a proposal for student healthcare beginning in the 2010-2011 school year.

Currently, TWU students are offered no medical or dental coverage from the school – something David van Hemmen hopes will change.

“We’re part of a small handful of universities in Canada that don’t have some type of health and dental plan. Roughly 80-90% of schools offer their students some type of coverage. There’s no reason this type of coverage shouldn’t have been offered in the past,” says van Hemmen.

The plan, which is still being ironed out and will have to be vetted through the Provost’s office, will cost students roughly $140-150 per year. The plan will cover 80% of drug prescription coverage, extended healthcare including paramedical and medical services, such as ambulance rides, vision care, and travel and life insurance.

The plan, which will be offered through CMC Insurance Consultants, will be opt-out for Canadian students who already have adequate coverage through their parents or otherwise, and opt-in for international and U.S. students.
Van Hemmen met with TWU’s Board of Governors last week, who supported the proposal.

“The administration has supported the plan so far, and we’ve met with the Board of Governors who showed a great amount of support for the initiative,” says van Hemmen.

The plan also includes dental coverage, including 80% of checkups paid for, as well as other coverage to varying degrees. Additionally, students will be able to have prescriptions written and delivered on-campus, making life easier for students without access to a vehicle.

“I have coverage through my parents – but if I didn’t I would definitely want something like that. Especially now when you’re in school, and probably messing up your body the most,” says Scott Gauthier, second-year business major.

While some specific details are still being decided, van Hemmen sees this initiative as one of the most important things he can offer to TWU’s students as their President.

“It’s something that every student needs, and those that are covered won’t have to buy in,” says van Hemmen.

Depending on the feedback from the online survey, a referendum could take place during TWUSA elections.