Health Services Still in Limbo: DSC, VP Seek Interim Solutions
by DTorres
The national crisis in health care has come home to the Graduate Center Community. As reported last month, on-site access to medical consultations, prescriptions, physicals, and blood tests at the Student Health Services Center was suspended as the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) wends through the contract negotiation and procurement processes for getting a new Nurse Practitioner. Given the complexities of the on-going discussions Sharon Lerner, the Director of Student Affairs, could not commit to a date for services but noted that “the process is going forward — in fact there’s been substantial progress — on getting nurse practitioner health services back at the GC.” To assist students in the interim Ms. Annabella Bernard, the Administrative Coordinator, continues to provide information and referrals to students who visit the Wellness Center. Yet, as the GC Advocate noted last issue, there is “cold comfort” in having information and referrals and hearing the restoration of services are ”in process,” when you need to see a physician. Indeed, students hear that the proverbial “check is in the mail” and ultimately ask, “when?”
Although a fixed date remains unknown, the Office of Students Affairs and the Doctoral Students’ Council have been working around the clock to secure a safety-net level interim service. That is, to provide real comfort to students. Rob Faunce, the DSC Co-Chair for Communications, expressed “faith that Sharon Lerner and Matt Schoengood, representing Student Affairs, have been diligently working to restore full service at the Wellness Center, and I feel as though they have been quite open to the DSC’s input, suggestions, and concerns — particularly in soliciting Denise Torres and the Health Issues Committee to bring fresh viewpoints and ideas to the table.”
In fact, Student Affairs has remained in constant contact with the DSC and have acted on recommendations. As of this writing, Ms Lerner stated they “expect to report next week” on “the interim short term options for no — or very low-cost, off-site clinic services, including a low-cost prescription formulary.” As well, on Oct. 1 the DSC and the OSA finalized a plan that will offset the costs students have incurred given the temporary lack of on-site access. The plan, initiated by Brenda Vollman, the outgoing DSC Co-Chair of Business Management, will provide reimbursements to students of up to $50 per student per primary care incident (visit to primary care provider) beginning on Nov. 1, 2007 and will be retroactive to Jul. 1, 2007. The end date is not certain until we know more about the future student health services arrangements. The reimbursements will not be for co-pays, mental health, dental or vision care but are to offset the costs of primary medical care visits, tests and procedures. In order to submit a reimbursement request, students must provide proof of payment and/or an insurance explanation of benefits document. If a student is uninsured or chooses not to submit an item to an insurance provider, then the student will sign a statement to this effect on the reimbursement request. To maintain confidentiality, all requests will be processed through the Wellness Center Office, and checks will be issued to students in the month following the submission of the request.
While the reimbursement plan is an important and much needed step in assisting students in accessing health services, it is only a stop-gap measure — a Band-Aid. The Wellness Center serves a vital function to the Graduate Center Community. For students to perform well academically they obviously need to be physically healthy as well . The GC’s capacity to recruit and retain students in a competitive environment will require, as the draft 2008 – 2012 Master Plan notes, the incorporation of some “fundamental realities,” including the recognition that “vibrant student services outside the classroom will play more prominent roles in support of student success.” Incorporating these realities requires a willingness to marshal the fiscal, institutional, and political resources of the university to ensure that students do not go without essential medical care or other essential resources. And, as in the larger health crisis, this ultimately depends on real leadership.n
