Out of 20 to 30 Marshallese students attending UH Hilo, only 3 to 5 students have health insurance. Students cannot afford health insurance because it is expensive, and even with the financial support from the RMI scholarship, it is not enough to cover the needs for medical expenses. The RMI scholarship states in its Handbook that they would pay insurance directly to the school, but lately we have not seen this take place. Students have tried applying for free health insurance, but are turned down because they were ineligible. With the lack of health insurance, students depend on drug stores instead of actually seeing a doctor, and when time of emergencies arrives, it can be a huge problem. The scholarship board can provide more safety for the students by implementing health insurance paid by other education funds. By implementing a health insurance for students, the scholarship board will show how concerned and supportive they are for the Marshallese students studying abroad. It will give a good name to the board and office on how supportive they are about the health and success of their students.
I proposed that RMI scholarship implement health insurance for students Marshallese students attending UH, Hilo. They can pay directly to the school or HMSA like they promised.
Interesting topic. Your solution seems reasonable... I think you should really fight for this one!
ReplyDeleteTry a survey of all the Marshallese students here at UHH who are receiving financial assistance from the RMI Scholarship Board to see how many of them actually have tried applying for HMSA (at UHH) or other insurance agencies that could have billed the RMI Scholarship Office directly with the insurance bills. You might find it interesting that maybe zero have tried doing that...that could be the problem. Great Topic! Very important they we have health insurance.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your proposal! ;) I hope this turns out for you and other Marshallese students.
ReplyDeleteHealth insurance is very important for everyone. I agree with you, it is really expensive but we need health insurance. I have a ISO health insurance, it is cheaper than HMSA!
ReplyDeleteGood topic here and if something indeed has to be done.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. when I was first coming to UHH, I have to have a 1-year-medical insurance and I spent 7000$ on it, but it is expired last year, without even one-time-use. it is not reasonable. I am expecting to see the change your proposal brings!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you, i am an international myself and I too also face these challenges, and health insurance being a major concern for any student. Students should be taken care of and prices should be made affordable for everyone.
ReplyDelete