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or...why I'm fuming at our Student Union Society
We finally got a health plan through our school, this semester and it is a good thing to have, especially for those students not covered under another plan. It is also supposed to be very easy to opt out of if you do not wish to be included in the plan. Right. When I went to opt out (because I'm covered through my mum's work) they told me that I had to have proof that I'm covered by an alternate plan. This was mildly irritating, as they have no reason to know whether or not I have another plan, seperate from them. However, I gave it anyway, determined not to be too aggrivated over something relatively minor. So I did the opt out on-line...they tell me that I have to print out the page and either mail it to their office (which was in Vancouver, a good hour away from the school) or scan it and e-mail it to them. With a growing sense of discomfort at all of this I scanned it and e-mailed it to them. I just got an e-mail back saying that I didn't provide "proof indicative of the fact that you are covered for health and dental services through an alternate insurance plan." *officially frustrated and strongly debating writing a letter to them when I can disguise my anger sufficiently*
Posts: 1158 | Registered: Feb 2004
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posted
There are many instances in which the school and/or StudentUnion would be held liable for medical expenses should you not be covered. And they probably have a fairly high deductable on their accident/etc liability coverage. ie Should you sue&win, a nice chunk of change would be coming directly out of school and/or StudentUnion funds.
Considering that all too many folk would lie just to get a cheaper movie ticket or to have a little extra cash to blow on beer, it's reasonable for the StudentUnion to want fairly strong proof of medical coverage.
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But isn't Reiko in Abbotsford? Which is in Canada? If so, then it's not the same as for someone in the US, because there's a difference between MSP - government medical services plan in British Columbia - and extended health and dental benefits. MSP covers things like doctor's appointments, hospital visits, surgery, things like that. It doesn't cover prescription drugs, prosthetics, medical devices, or that sort of thing.
Most of my life in Canada, we didn't have extended health benefits. Most people I know don't have them.
If that's what Reiko is talking about, it's not that big a deal.
Posts: 8355 | Registered: Apr 2003
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yeah, I am in BC and that is basically what this plan is for. It covers things like prescriptions and certain medical procedures that aren't already covered by public health care.
Posts: 1158 | Registered: Feb 2004
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Yay! For once, my memory didn't fail me!!!!!
Reiko, been there, done that, had the same hassles.
I vote for you fighting to opt out. They *should* make it much easier than they have. And yes, if it were me, I'd be writing a strong letter of complaint.
Posts: 8355 | Registered: Apr 2003
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