Dowell may accept student insurance
10 03 08 - 12:02
Health Center may start taking private insurance coverage for Fall 2008
Kiel McLaughlin
Beginning Fall 2008, the Dowell Health Center may start accepting student health insurance policies.
According to the Third Party Insurance Billing Proposal, 89 percent of students have health insurance coverage, however, only about 1,100 students are insured through the University's plan. For years, immense costs have kept Dowell from accepting all insurance policies.
"We have been looking for alternative forms of funding that would not involve major fee increases or a mandatory fee for student health services," vice president for student affairs Deb Moriarty said. "It's an expensive task to have a health center on campus, but it's something that we feel is necessary for the school community."
This semester, the University is working with Highland Campus Health Group to file the necessary paperwork so students who are not insured through the University's plan can receive coverage on campus.
In the fall, students who are insured by CareFirst Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United and MAMSI will be covered at Dowell.
"There seems to be a stunned look of disbelief on the faces of parents when they ask if we accept their insurance and we say no," Moriarty said.
Similar to any other health services provider, students will be responsible for any costs not covered by insurance including deductibles and co-payments.
Uninsured students will continue to pay for services on a visit-by-visit basis.
According to Moriarty, by bringing on the insurance providers, Dowell will increase revenue because students who have gone off campus for health services will be able to stay on campus.
"We think this is an important service for our students and their families that they can come to our health center and use their insurance," she said.
Director of health services at Dowell Health Center Jane Halpern was unavailable for comment.
For more information, call the Dowell Health Center at 410-704-2466.
Their hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.