Lice and Healthcare: Are you covered?
BY AMBERLEE MILLER
Lice. Tiny, wingless parasites that live off human hair and feed off small amounts of blood. Though unable to fly or jump, they can spread quickly from person to person. Recently, the GMC community experienced an epidemic of such. According to the Bozen Wellness Center, one in ten people who came in for a head-check had lice. Over twenty cases were found. The Wellness Center was doing free checks for students with or without insurance. The good thing is, lice are easily treated with an over-the-counter shampoo.
Although the lice situation was dealt as efficiently as possible, the Bozen Wellness Center will be closing, which upset many students. According to an email from Paul Fonteyn, the counseling and spiritual wellness will move down the street near the Two Editors Inn. There will be health services there, but without Dr. Scovner. Why won’t Dr. Scovner be joining the transition? No one seems to want to give that answer. Brandon Gowdy, a junior at GMC, voiced his opinion on this issue. “I feel that Scovner’s dismissal is a result of him voicing his opinion on moving the Wellness Center and that he represents an asset of not just the school, but the town. He probably doesn’t want to leave his familiar home at such short notice,” Gowdy said.
The Community Health Centers of Rutland Region, which includes Castleton Family Health Center, will be welcoming the GMC community. There will always be a physician on call and medical records done electronically. For those without transportation, it will be difficult to get to the CHCRR. Sure, there is a shuttle, but honestly, if you are sick are you going to want to wait around for it to bring you and pick you back up?
Full-time students are required to pay for GMC’s insurance, unless they provide proof of a different coverage. Being on the Student Accident and Sickness Insurance Plan adds $450 to the college bill. It covers a maximum of $10,000 for accidents and a maximum $20 co-pay for prescriptions. The insurance covers emergency room visits, x-rays, lab work, and office visits. It also covers treatment for mental illness and substance abuse.
Currently, the Vermont Workers’ Center is campaigning for universal health care as a human right. “Our current healthcare system simply leaves too many people behind,” says Larry Trombley, as he gives a speech in Albans, Vermont, “This has real consequences for people who suffer immensely as they struggle to pay for healthcare they need, but often cannot afford.” One in every six Vermonters does not have health insurance. However, things may change when Obama assumes office.
If you aren’t on the GMC plan, you may want to take a closer look at your insurance. It may not cover your visits to the Bozen Wellness Center, costing $110 for each visit. There are some students who slipped through the cracks and have no insurance coverage. In the long run, it seems worthwhile to be on the Student Accident and Sickness Plan. In case of another epidemic, you’ll be covered. If there is another lice outbreak (hopefully not), students will be well served with the medical services provided by GMC and the surrounding community.
Short URL: http://www.themountaineer.org/?p=240
Posted by Amberlee Miller
on Nov 23, 2008 Filed under Health & Well-Being.
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