Following student confusion, the Student Health Center is seeking to clarify why graduating seniors taking less than 12 hours are eligible for several LSU services but are being forced to pay a fee for campus medical care.
Though graduating seniors taking less than 12 hours must pay a one-time fee upon requesting SHC services, the in-person payment they make is no greater than the amount paid in an SHC-recognized full-time student’s fee bill.
The SHC fee is not explicitly written into full-time students’ fee bills, but the amount is taken out of the tuition payment, said SHC Associate Director Julie Hupperich. Graduating seniors taking less than 12 hours pay less tuition and fees than full-time students.
“Our eligibility hinges on students paying the Student Health Center fee,” Hupperich said. “If you’re full-time, you’ll pay the Student Health Center fee from your fee bill, and if you’re not, then you won’t be charged for it until you need our services.”
Hupperich said the SHC values “continuity of care” for students who have visited the facility before.
“We want those graduating seniors who have had a relationship with the Student Health Center to receive care, but they will have to pay the fee,” Hupperich said.
During the fall and spring semesters, the fee is $155 and is included on students’ fee bills under “required fees.” Over the summer, it is reduced to $90.
The money covers the student’s services for the semester but does not include prescriptions, vaccinations, X-rays, diagnostics or orthopedic supplies. The Rape Aggression Defense self-defense course and psychological testing are also not covered by the initial fee. The fee does cover visits to the Medical Clinic, Women’s Clinic and Specialty Clinics and appointments with Mental Health Services.
Mechanical engineering senior Hansen Jones said he was knew about the fee but feels that the cost should be made more obvious to students who plan on taking less than 12 hours.
“It makes sense in a way,” Jones said. “Someone who’s taking less than 12 hours probably has something else going on. Maybe some people are like me, and they’ve just run out of hours, but some people would just fill that space with a job.”
Jones said he sees the benefit in not having to pay the SHC fee if a student plans on being on campus less, but he understands not all students have this intention. Those with on-campus jobs may find it more difficult not having the immediate access to the SHC that they’re used to.
“Not having [services] up front isn’t a big deal for me, but it’s still cheaper than going to the emergency or the copay someone would pay at a hospital for antibiotics,” Jones said.
While the SHC states what the fees are on its website, Jones said he wishes they were made more apparent on the fee bill.
“I can see people who go here for four years just walking in and being taken by surprise by being told they have to pay a fee,” Jones said. “It makes sense that they’re charging us, but I just wish it was sent in an email or something.”