Dr. Harry M. McDermott Guest Columnist

I am writing regarding Dillon Fishman's column, "Time to abandon UA's sad SHIP," published in the Opinions section of the Feb. 1 Arizona Daily Wildcat. With all due respect, Mr. Fishman's column offers a very biased perspective and some inaccuracies regarding the Arizona Board of Regents Student Health Insurance Program, and I feel compelled to provide a factual response in hopes of achieving some true balance.

Clearly, there are some Student Health Insurance Program participants who may benefit from having prescription drug coverage; however, it is important to realize this would place an undue financial burden on the vast majority of SHIP participants. In point of fact, an increase in the monthly premium of $10 to $20 for the individual coverage option (up to $100 for the fall semester premium and $140 for the spring/summer premium) would be necessary to offer a tiered co-payment or similar out-of-pocket financial arrangement. Naturally, the effect on monthly premium would be amplified for the student subscriber who elects either spouse or family coverage.

It is important to note that of the nearly 5,400 participants in the SHIP, the average student participant is about 27 years of age and in generally good or stable health. When this fact is considered, along with the availability of many prescription medications at considerably reduced prices through the Campus Health Service Pharmacy, it is particularly hard to understand the motivation for adding a costly prescription benefit for all SHIP participants.

The fact is, UA students have a pharmacy benefit, and this was validated by the Graduate Professional Student Council in response to a request for information on the Campus Health Service Pharmacy pricing. A GPSC subcommittee reviewed the Campus Health Service Pharmacy formulary and pricing structure and concluded that it was as good or better than several Pharmacy Benefit Plans offered through the health insurance companies that the subcommittee surveyed. This was reported at the Graduate Professional Student Council meeting on Oct. 26.

Furthermore, the committee referenced by Mr. Fishman is composed of representatives from the GPSC, Associated Students of the University of Arizona, Student Health Advisory Council, International Student Association, Arizona Board of Regents, the UA Graduate College and the Campus Health Service. This committee complement was in place and functioning when the last Request For Proposal, which was managed by administrators from the three university health services and consultants from The Segal Company all representing the board of regents, resulted in an agreement with United Healthcare for the 2002-2007 contract period. Given the fact that in the last two years the board's SHIP individual premiums have only risen in cost by a total of four percent, limited interest has been expressed regarding concerns over price. However, because of the most recent interest in adding benefits to the SHIP, it seemed appropriate to reassemble the advisory committee, and this has been arranged. Once factual information is shared and discussed, thoughtful conclusions will hopefully follow.

Another fallacy in Mr. Fishman's column has to do with the number of students on whose behalf the board of regents negotiates. Certainly, there are approximately 112,000 students (part- and full-time) attending the three Arizona universities, but the students who participate in the SHIP actually number fewer than 14,000. This can be readily explained when one considers the number of undergraduate students still covered under their parents' health insurance coverage, employed students who receive employer-related health benefits, coverage for students obtained through employed spouses, and frankly students who cannot afford any health insurance coverage (this is estimated to be around 20 percent of the student population). There exists no mandatory insurance policy in our public university system and, therefore, participation will remain within certain voluntary limits.

As for finding alternative health insurance coverage that is more comprehensive or "better" than the board's SHIP, it is unlikely, when certain parameters that rightfully constrain our program are taken into account. The board's SHIP does not set premiums based upon gender or age, and any undergraduate student taking seven or more credit hours or graduate student taking six or more credit hours may participate without undergoing medical underwriting. A pre-existing condition clause exists, but if a student has had health insurance in force and has not experienced a gap in health insurance coverage of no more than 63 days these do not apply.

The board of regents SHIP is an excellent health insurance program for students of the Arizona universities. These facts are considerable and must be set against Mr. Fishman's well-intended opinion.

Harry M. McDermott, M.D., M.P.H., is executive director of Campus Health and Wellness. He can be reached at letters@wildcat.arizona.edu.