Comment Category

Concern

Response/Action Plan

Insurance Issues

20 students made comments about the United HealthCare (UHC) student insurance

Please keep in mind that UT System selects the insurance plan for all UT schools not student wellness. While the staff in student wellness is happy to assist students in understanding the plan we are not the group that selects the plan or the benefits it offers.

Some clarification about benefits:
The plan cost $1,119/year. The pharmacy benefit is $1000/year. While $1000 may not be enough coverage for some students the plan’s cost is only $1,119, a $1,000 pharmacy benefit is actually quite good coverage for the price of the insurance.

The plan is an “injury and sickness insurance plan” it is not a comprehensive healthcare plan. A plan with full primary care services would cost much more than $1,119/year. As a comparison, the UTMB employee insurance plan is approximately $4500/year and has a $250 deductible plus a $25/$30 co-pay for each primary care/specialist visit.

You do not need a referral from student wellness to see another provider. Please keep in mind that you will be responsible for the $300 deductible and 20% co-pay when you see providers at UTMB outside student wellness.

Acne medications are not covered.

UHC has a national network of providers. Students may access these providers when away from the main UTMB campus. Again remember that you will be responsible for the $300 deductible and 20% co-pay.

Labs charges are paid for covered illnesses and injuries. If these services are provided at UTMB the deductible and co-pay do not apply.

Healthcare Providers

Why can’t we see a MD?

Student Wellness has a family medicine physician who provides consultation to the nurse practitioners; there are currently no plans to change the practice of staffing with nurse practitioners. The NP does have Dr. McKee see students if indicated for a second opinion when Dr. McKee is in student wellness for chart review. Evaluations of clinical skills and overall quality of care received are consistently high on the surveys completed by students using student wellness service.
Students do have the option of seeing the physician of their choice using their insurance.

Other Concerns

“…ought to offer suturing”

“I am concerned about confidentiality because the place where you check in is so open”
“I think student wellness should have more walk-ins”

Suturing is infrequently needed by students presenting in student wellness. Students are referred to providers who suture on a regular basis.
Student wellness staff are committed to maintaining confidentiality. Should a student ever feel like they need more privacy they need only request to either write down their concern or go back to an exam room to provide necessary information.
Student wellness only has one provider. Scheduling appointments minimizes student wait time. Same day appointments are available in most cases if requested by
8:30 am.

Other Student Feedback

Positive comments were also recorded on the SGA survey, some of these comments include:
“Kudos to Student Wellness. I'm consistently pleased with their service.” GSBS
“I am grateful for the counseling services we have.” SAHS
“The financial aid office and the student health services office are both incredibly helpful and are doing a great job.” SOM
" Counseling & student health are convenient and address my needs well!” SOM

Student wellness staff strives to provide a positive experience for each and every student. Please feel free to send comments and suggestions related to services provided to Terry Dick, director student wellness. tdick@utmb.edu