University Announces Fee for Students Who Opt out of Its Health Plan

by Steve Eastman, Wait Til You Hear This

It’s bad enough that Americans are fined if they refuse to buy insurance meeting the Obamacare guidelines.  Now a major university is getting into the act.

David Skorton, the president of Cornell University, has sent an email to students announcing a $350 fee for students who opt out of the school’s health care plan.

Skorton writes, “Although introducing a new fee is never desirable, moving to a model that includes a health fee — a standard in college health nationwide — will make student costs more predictable and encourage students to seek the care they need.”  It goes into effect this upcoming academic year.

Skorton expects 70 percent of undergrads, 10 percent of grad students and 30 percent of professional students will be effected, netting the University an estimated $3.9 million.  It turns out Gannett Health Services, which services the needs of students, has been operating at a deficit.

Unlike Obamacare, students who get “fined” will be eligible for a $10 co-pay covering most Gannett visits.

News of the fee resulted in a sit-in Monday, but the president had already made up his mind. He told protestors that nothing can be done about the fee.

It’s not a bad deal for the university, which charges students $2,352 to opt in this year.  If they opt out, the school will soon charge $350.  It makes you wonder if that kind of model would work for a college cafeteria — charging a higher fee for students who eat in the dining hall and a lower fee for students who eat off campus.

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