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UNC sees more opt out of student health insurance plan

More than 2,000 more students opted out of the University-provided health insurance plan than last year, as its semi-annual premium rose by about $100.

UNC enrolled full-time students in the health insurance plan through Pearce & Pearce, providing students the option to waive the plan after the initial premium payment of $361.50 last year. This fall, the premium increased to $460.50.

Bruce Mallette, senior associate vice president for academic and student affairs for the UNC system, said the increase in the premium is a reflection of considerable use of student benefits and plans in 2010.

Mallette said Pearce & Pearce is contractually obliged to repay 77 percent of all premium dollars toward student claims. If the percentage of premium dollars repaid is higher than 77 percent, the insurance providers can raise the premium.

“Last year, the claim dollars repaid were running slightly above 77 percent, resulting in an increase in this year’s premium,” Mallette said.

With the increase in the semi-annual premium, some students are searching for other options.

Kendall Smith, a junior exercise and sports science major, was enrolled in the health insurance provided through Pearce & Pearce last year. But when he noticed the near-$100 increase on his tuition bill, he decided to waive the plan.

“I initially planned on staying enrolled in the student plan,” Smith said. “But the price increase made my decision to waive the plan much easier.”

The last day for students to waive out of the Pearce & Pearce plan was Sept. 30.

Initial fall 2011 enrollment numbers show a decrease of more than 1,400 students actively enrolled in the student health plan, compared to 2010.

Mary Covington, executive director for Campus Health Services, said the drop in active enrollment was anticipated.

“The number of students in the active enroll category continues to decline as students correct incorrect insurance information that led to a declined waiver, enroll in another insurance plan or have insurance canceled because they were not eligible for the plan,” Covington wrote in an email.

Covington said nearly 2,000 more students have successfully waived the plan compared to last year, citing student and staff familiarity with the process.

Mallette said the student insurance model was designed to allow students the option of waiving without any repercussions.

“Ultimately, the plan most benefits students who were previously uninsured or had partial coverage and allows those who already had full coverage to stay on their current plan,” he said.

UNC required all full-time students to have health insurance coverage for the first time in 2010.

Contact the University Editor at university@dailytarheel.com.

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