Students have until Sept. 30 to waive an almost $400 health insurance plan appearing on their University bill.
Previously, undergraduate students enrolled in six or more credit hours and graduate students enrolled in at least one hour had the option of being covered by BlueCross BlueShield North Carolina insurance. However with the decision by the UNC system to make health insurance mandatory, the UNC system chose to use Pearce and Pearce as the insurance administrator.
According to Robert Hayford, associate director of Student Health Services, unless students have already waived their coverage, they have a charge of $372 on their account.
“If a student has been charged for the insurance, but they end up waiving coverage, we’ll remove that cost from the bill,” Hayford said. “However, the last day to waive coverage is September 30, so if a student hasn’t waived by then, they are enrolled in the Pearce and Pearce insurance.”
The insurance coverage gives students several options, according to April Hawkins, administrative support specialist with Student Health Services.
“Students have the ability to opt out of abortion coverage through Pearce and Pearce. Opting out of the abortion coverage will not have any effect on the cost of the insurance,” Hawkins said. “Pearce and Pearce will only cover abortions through the first trimester, which is 12 weeks.”
According to Hayford, each individual can decide whether they keep the abortion coverage or not.
“Some individuals are ok with having abortion coverage on their insurance plan, and others aren’t. We’re leaving it up to the individual,” Hayford said.
According to Hayford, the goal with Pearce and Pearce insurance is to have the same coverage the University had with BlueCross BlueShield North Carolina.
“BlueCross BlueShield had voluntary abortion coverage just like we’ve got with Pearce and Pearce,” Hawkins said. “Our goal is an easier transition because of similar benefits.”
Another option with Pearce and Pearce is dental coverage, which does impact the cost of the insurance.
“Students will have the option to have dental coverage, but for the individual student, it will cost $303.28 a year,” Hawkins said.
As of Tuesday afternoon, Hayford estimated that 1,700 students had already enrolled in the health insurance.
“We expect that number to go up to between 2,100 and 2,200 by Sept. 30,” Hayford said.
In order for students to be eligible for the student health plan, they must meet three criteria.
“Students have to be taking a minimum of six credit hours, have paid the student health fee and be a degree-seeking student,” Hawkins said.
Pearce and Pearce insurance is retroactive coverage.
“Once a student enrolls in Pearce and Pearce insurance, they are covered back to Aug. 1,” Hawkins said.
Students have multiple ways to get questions answered, according to Hawkins.
“We’d prefer for any questions to be directed to our insurance office before students call Pearce and Pearce,” Hawkins said. “We want students to make their choice about enrolling in or waiving the insurance with Pearce and Pearce, but they need to make it soon.”
