We all use excuses every once in a while: The dishes can wait until a good time to hit “pause”; it just started raining and these shoes can’t get wet; the exam is next Tuesday and studying too early is confusing.
Other times, an excuse just won’t work. That’s the case right now with health insurance.
Open enrollment for health insurance through the UO ends Oct. 31, and everyone – even students – must sign up for something or face a penalty under the federal Affordable Care Act. People have until Jan. 31 to sign up before penalties kick in, but those who want insurance through the university must sign up before the end of this month.
So, here is a handy how-to to help UO students stop procrastinating and sign up for health care.
Step 1: Review your options.
Students who are U.S. citizens and residents have four options for health insurance coverage:
- Students can stay on a parent's health insurance plan until they are 26 years old.
- Get the UO Health Plan. For those who are comparison shopping, the plan costs $144.50 per month and is comprehensive coverage.
- Shop a health insurance exchange, including www.coveroregon.com. More information about health exchanges can be found at younginvincibles.org/issues/health-care or www.healthcare.gov/young-adults
- Opt for no insurance and pay the penalty.
Students who are not U.S. citizens need to enroll with the UO Health Plan or submit a waiver showing proof of insurance at myUOHealth by Oct. 31 in order to stay enrolled at the UO.
Step 2: Ask for help.
The staff at the University Health Center (1590 E. 13th St.) is available to walk students through their health insurance questions every weekday during regular business hours. Call 541-346-2832 or drop in to speak with health insurance staff.
Step 3: Enroll.
The deadline is Oct. 31, but unless you want to spend Halloween filling out forms, do it now. Students can enroll with the UO Health Plan at myUOHealth.
—By Laura McGinnis, Public Affairs Communications