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About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (Nov. 28, 1978)
Students’ insurance costs skyrocket By JIM ALLEN Of the Emerald Rising hospital costs and declin ing student enrollment at the Uni versity are largely responsible for the recent sharp increases in ASUO health insurance, says a local insurance salesman. Lance Bloom, broker for the ASUO's student health insurance, has seen the full-year price of that insurance climb from $53 during the 1975-76 school year to more than $121 this year. Bloom, whose office is located with Metzger and Associates of Eugene near campus, acts as a mediator between the ASUO and the sponsoring company, United Pacific Life Insurance Company of Tacoma. "Hospital costs are a major fac tor here,” Bloom says, “but there are some other major reasons for the increase " "These rates are based upon student utilization," he continues. “In 1976-77, we paid out 90 cents on every dollar in premiums, while the figure was 91 cents in 1975-76. Also, the number of stu dents using the policy has gone down, mainly because of declin ing enrollment at the school." ASUO insurance serves about 2,200 students this year, a decline of 10 percent from 1977-78. Student utilization figures for 1977-78 will not be complete until June, because of a one-year grace period for collecting of ben efits from the company, but Bloom credits the high rate of be Young Demos form group An organization for University students interested in participat ing in Democratic Party politics has been formed. University Young Democrats will try to concentrate on issues directly affecting students on this campus, according to Kathy Bick ers, a founding member of the group. Bickers cited the proposed di vestiture by the Oregon State Sys tem of Higher Education, of stock in corporations doing business in South Africa, as the kind of issue SPECIAL GIFT IDEAS from Harry Ritchies 14 Kt. GOLD DIAMOND EARRINGS. . . Diamonds for the lady of your heart ...show your love what she means to you with genu, ine diamond ear rings. Your choice of beautiful white or classic gold mountings. ONLY . . . $1988 TERMS Student accounts welcome Do wet owe sa Mall Vatay River Center J that directly concerns University students. But, she says, it falls outside the purview of groups such as the Lane County Young Democrats. Persons interested in UYD should contact Bickers at 342-2256 or Clark Harris at 686-6307. 20% OFF jacket sale ON ALL REGULAR PRICES Leathers Wools Corduroy Poplins and much more Valley River Center nefits paid for the increase in pre miums. "We also live in an era of the big claim,” Bloom says. ‘‘The costs of these large payments is reflected in the higher premiums.” Bloom attributes some of the in crease to additional coverage for pregnancy and radiation therapy, both of which were instituted this year. “This year the ASUO has de cided to cover pregnancy on a claim basis and will pay out ben efits in certain cases, such as an illness or a sickness,” Bloom says. “That's the way the Depart ment of Health, Education and Welfare has taken it.” The rates for ASUO health in suranee are reviewed and set by a five-member student committee under the supervision of the ASUO. The committee then works through Bloom with the sponsor ing insurance company. Next year the committee will open the ASUO contract up to other insurance companies in an open-bidding process, according to Bloom. “We will put out bids to all in terested groups," Bloom says. “We plan to advertise in a variety of journals.” “But, despite the increases, this is the best contract in terms of be nefits that I’m involved with,” says Bloom, who is also the insurance agent for the Lane County branch of the Oregon State Homebuil ders’ Association. “These are very good rates compared to other rates for similar coverage from other companies. We’ve had very few complaints about the rates, and in fact most of the questions we receive are about the benefits.” "However, I don't think we re going to see a large increase in medical costs in the near future,” Bloom says. “For example, Sac red Heart Hospital has initiated a new program to make more effi cient use of their facilities, to cut down on costs.” “These rising hospital costs are part of the reason companies now refuse to grant two-year rate guarantees to the ASUO, as they had done in the past,” Bloom says. “The large number of big claims is another reason.” r Are you a self-starter who believes that social change on behalf of the poor and powerless in America is possible? If so, you belong in VISTA. VISTA volunteers serve one year working with non-profit organizations, neighborhood self-help groups and social service agencies. Their goal is to help the poor and power less in our society have a greater voice in the decisions that affect their lives. As a VISTA you may organize community action groups to deal with neighborhood issues, or work on projects related to consumer affairs, legal services, business and economic development, housing, education, youth counseling, or health and nutrition. Your degree or relevant community work experience may qualify you for the experience of your life. See our repre sentatives for information on current and future openings throughout the U.S. y —1 Volunteers In Service To America v INFORMATION: Mon - Thurs. Nov. 27 - 30. Lobby, EMU INTERVIEWS: Tues & Wed. Nov. 28 - 29. Placement Office. Susan Campbell Hall, 9 am - 4 pm FILM & SEMINAR: Tues. Nov. 28. 7 p.m. EMU J
