Assembly Resolution

September 4, 2009

GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL STUDENT ORGANIZATION (GPSO)

RESOLUTION ON THE MANDATORY HEALTH INSURANCE

WHEREAS, Indiana University-Bloomington currently offers four plans to students: the Mandatory Plan for Student Academic Appointments (SAA's); the International Plan for international students; the Medical Plan for medicals students and the Voluntary plan for all other students;

WHEREAS, the Voluntary Plan premium for the 2009-2010 academic year is $1864 and provides only accident/injury coverage (and not comprehensive coverage); and

WHEREAS, , the enrollment in the Voluntary Plan has dropped in recent years, so that there are now 1,812 students enrolled out of all students in the IU system; and

WHEREAS, many graduate and professional students may not be able to cover the premium of the Voluntary Plan or have access to an alternative group plan; and

WHEREAS, those students enrolled in the Voluntary Plan may not be receiving adequate coverage for their medical condition(s); and

WHEREAS, many graduate and professional students in the IU system may thus not have sufficient access to health care; and

WHEREAS, the total enrollment of a group plan may affect the premium and coverage of that plan; and

WHEREAS, a larger enrollment in the Voluntary Plan may enable IU to negotiate a lower premium and better coverage for all IU students; and

WHEREAS, requiring all IU students to present proof of health insurance or to enroll in a plan provided by IU might ensure a larger enrollment; and

WHEREAS, such a policy would better ensure the health and well-being of all students on the IU campus;

BE IT RESOLVED, that the GPSO Assembly asks the University Graduate School and Indiana University Human Resources to explore the costs, benefits, and financial implications of making health insurance mandatory for all IU students and to seek out information on the effects of such a policy at similar institutions and to convey this information to the GPSO.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the GPSO Assembly this 4th day of September 2009.

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GPSO President