When illness strikes at Saint Louis University, many students now under the new University Health Plan will be able to receive medical attention with ease and little cost.

All students are required to have medical insurance during the school year, some students are able to receive their parents’ insurance benefits, while others must depend on the University’s insurance provider.

“When United Health Care announced a 17-percent increase in insurance premiums, UHP came forward and offered the plan to undergraduates, keeping the rate of last year’s United Health Care plan,” explained UHP Plan Administrator Andrea Smith, M.H.A.

UHP was established in 1988 to provide health care to the SLU School of Medicine community. This will be the first year it is offered to all SLU students.

“UHP operates with a primary care physician,” Smith said.

“We believe in one manager of the student’s health-care needs.”

Primary care physicians must authorize prescriptions and additional services such as visits to specialists before students can receive them and have them covered under the plan.

The plan hopes to attract students by eliminating most out-of-pocket expenses. When services are provided by a UHP physician there is no co-payment except for a $50 co-pay for emergency room benefits.

In addition, unlike many-health plans, UHP has no deductible for services obtained at a UHP network facility.

With the cost of prescription drugs rising, the UHP offers a competitive $5 or $10 co-pay for generic and brand name prescriptions at any local Schnucks.

Finally, mental-health and substance-abuse services are provided free of charge when a UHP provider is selected.

In the event a student under the UHP is away from St. Louis when an emergency or illness strikes, the student must contact UHP office within 48 hours.

If hospitalization or other serious treatment occurs outside of St. Louis, UHP will negotiate with the hospital for an equitable price and may possibly bring the student back to SLU to “keep the costs under control,” according to Smith.

The cost for the UHP for students is $110 per month or $495 per semester-the cheapest UHP price available.

UHP is available only to students. Faculty and staff are given a choice among several insurance providers.