For many college students, health insurance is a far-off concern. It can be a confusing web of jargon and hidden costs, so most students tend to leave it up to their parents or go without.

Grand Valley State University’s student senate discussed a resolution in their session on Dec. 10. Authored by senator Darwin Perry, the resolution aims to establish a mandated health insurance plan that would require full-time students to enroll in GVSU health insurance.

During discussion, many senators were wary of the word ‘mandated,’ saying that it sounded as if the university would be forcing all students to use its insurance. However, the resolution was aimed at students who are not currently enrolled in a plan of their own or under their parents’ plan.

Senators were also worried about cost, figuring students that were not already a part of a health insurance plan likely could not afford it. Therefore, GVSU would be forcing the student to enroll in something they could not afford.

“Not everyone can afford it and some people do go without health insurance because they can’t,” said senator José Rodriguez. “I don’t think it’s our place to have them forcibly take health insurance.”

Perry’s resolution, however, stated that the mandated health insurance would fall under student fees, and it would be able to be covered through financial aid.

Perry cited positive feedback on a public opinion survey that showed students would be in favor of this resolution. The question asked students on a scale of one to 10 if they would support GVSU implementing an inclusive health care plan to its students. He reported that 15 out of the 77 students voted five and under, with six of those students noting they already had a health insurance plan. This left 62 students voting on a scale of six to 10, with 31 of those students voting at a 10.

Although it seemed like good results, some senators were leery about the wording and the results of the question, stating that it was a very small proportion of the students on campus.

Vice President for External Relations Andy Oeffner noted that nowhere in the question was it mentioned that the health care plan would be mandated.

Currently, GVSU offers a student health insurance plan, which is available to any students enrolled in classes at the university. It costs $1,486 for one student to have an annual premium health insurance plan through GVSU.

According to GVSU’s risk management site, the plan “provides basic accident and sickness coverage at a reasonable cost.” GVSU’s current plan provides coverage for a student 24 hours a day worldwide during the term of enrollment.

However, GVSU students must opt-in to this plan. Many senators expressed their concern that the problem is most students are not aware of the option already available to them.

“I am not opposed to helping Grand Valley students gain access to health care,” senator Michael Sullivan said. “I would support senate bringing in the department of human services on campus to help students that do fall in this income bracket to sign up for Medicaid through the Healthy Michigan Program.”

Although Perry’s resolution did not pass, after listening to senator Sullivan’s idea and other feedback he received, Perry decided to create a resolution about making the current GVSU student health insurance plan more well-known and easier to understand for students.

“From this, I will be coming back with a resolution that does offer a plan and a guide for students on how to navigate the system,” Perry said. “I look forward to working on this next resolution to have an annual plan.”