The health plan referendum question in the CSA's General Election [1] will ask students if they prefer the current universal plan or an alternative plan. Read on for more info & cast your vote February 8 to 17!
→ Unsure how to vote in a CSA Election? Click here [2] for a super easy 3 step guide!
The Referendum Question
"Are you in favour of replacing the current plan which has the following features: Group Health Insurance Program, which DOES NOT have an opt-out option, is priced at an annual cost of $140 per policy year, and has the potential to increase annually by the Consumer Price Index. For the following modified plan effect September 2021: Group Health Insurance Program which DOES have an opt-out option for full time and part time students with alternative coverage, is priced at an annual cost of $186 per policy year, and has the potential to increase annually by a maximum of 4%? Yes / No"
A No Vote Supports the Current Plan:
The universal health plan is currently priced at $140 per year, with the potential to increase by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) annually; CPI for 2020 - 2021 was 2.1%.
A Yes Vote Supports the Proposed Plan:
The proposed plan will offer an opt-out option priced at $186 per year, with the potential to increase by a maximum of 4% annually. Only students with alternative coverage will be eligible to opt-out.
The CSA's Position
The CSA supports the current universal health plan - a no vote. Here’s why:
- Most students did not opt-out of the dental plan (81% in 2020 - 2021), and an opt-out option for the health plan may have similar rates & cost students significantly more.
- To ensure affordability and accessibility for all students, making it easier for on-campus providers to serve students and avoid delays associated with opt-out enrolment periods.
- Students with alternative coverage can coordinate their benefits with the universal health plan to increase their coverage up to a total of 100%.