New Jersey City University, in conjunction with United Healthcare Student Resources, provides all full-time students with basic healthcare coverage that is automatically part of the cost of tuition. This may not be something that is all that shocking, but the depth of the coverage just may be, or at the very least it is good to be informed about it.

By Francis A. Wilson and Monir Khilla —

Have you ever been sick? We all have. Getting sick is just an inevitability of the human condition. Luckily for us, or rather most of us, we have the benefit of medical coverage.

Comprehensive coverage can be a difficult part of life to deal with, but life would undoubtedly be more difficult without it.

Take it from anyone who has suffered through an illness, accident, or disease without any coverage at all. They will be the first to tell you that having coverage, any coverage, is better than not having anything at all especially

because that illness, accident, or disease almost always strikes when you are your most vulnerable, with no coverage at all.

Don’t worry though. New Jersey City University has you covered.

Just for being part of the New Jersey City University community you, as a student, have health coverage provided for you that entails, but is not limited to, the following:

• Receive basic coverage for most major services including pharmacy, hospitalization and psychotherapy.

• Obtain online health information and benefit plan management tools anytime and anywhere on www.firststudent.com.

• Access a national network

of physicians without referrals.

Your insurance will cover doctor’s visits, certain prescription drugs, and even inpatient costs. You can also save more by going to a preferred provider that has an agreement with United Healthcare Student Resources. You, as the patient, will receive more coverage and end up paying less in the end. However, you won’t be able to use the insurance for everything.

You can’t get steroids, breast implants, or allergy medicine with it. You also can’t elect for surgeries or get those new glasses you wanted.

This means, you as a student, have options at your disposal for better healthcare and a safety net just waiting to break your fall if you get ill, have an accident, or need medical attention for any reason. Just don’t forget your co-payment, or else your medical visit might get cut short.

Now, you are probably wondering about cost? Don’t let those dizzying costs of adequate health care cause anxiety attacks.

The cost is covered by your enrollment at New Jersey City University.

The cost for an undergraduate student is a mere $855. The cost for graduate students rings in around $1,242, and the cost for part-time students is $1,868. The current figures have seen an increase as of late, but it is as a result of a better and a more well-rounded coverage program that not only covers you as the student, but it also can cover your spouse and or your children if need be.

One important thing to remember is that this service is optional. If you already have medical insurance you do not have to use the medical insurance provided by New Jersey City University. There is an option to opt out of the insurance by submitting a waiver form at the Bursars office. The only requirement necessary is proof of some other kind of medical insurance and you can get that money back.

For more detailed information visit the Vodra Hall Health and Wellness Center, room 107, and pick up a pamphlet or two explaining in detail everything you could possible need to know about New Jersey City University’s medical coverage plan, or visit www.firststudent.com.