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Tuesday, Nov 26 2019

Full Issue

University Backtracks On Decision Not To Let Students Use Medicaid After Being Thrust In National Spotlight

Reports that Brigham Young University-Idaho wouldn't accept Medicaid as acceptable insurance for students prompted an outcry of criticism. The university had claimed the change was due to the impracticality for the local medical community to provide for the health care needs for the students, but local providers disputed that reasoning.

In a surprising reversal and with an apology 鈥渇or the turmoil caused by our earlier decision,鈥 Brigham Young University鈥檚 campus in Idaho announced Monday night that it will retract its new policy on health insurance and return to allowing students to use Medicaid. The change came in an email sent campuswide less than two weeks after the school originally publicized the decision on Nov. 12. Shortly after that, hundreds of students had immediately and loudly criticized the university, with many saying they couldn鈥檛 afford other coverage and some saying they鈥檇 have to drop out over it. (Tanner, 11/25)

鈥淲e have decided that Medicaid, as it has in previous years, will meet the health coverage requirement at BYU-Idaho,鈥 the email says. The email goes on to say that because of its limited capacity and scope of services, the Student Health Center will continue not serving as a Medicaid service provider. 鈥淭he well-being of our students and their families is very important to us,鈥 the notice said. 鈥淲e are grateful for the feedback we have received from our campus community and for the input of the local medical community. We apologize for the turmoil caused by our earlier decision.鈥 (Grossarth and Price, 11/25)

Brigham Young University-Idaho faced a backlash after it introduced a policy barring students from using Medicaid to meet requirements for health coverage to enroll in the school. (Dawson, 11/26)

This is part of the Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.
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