It's our decision: Students shouldn't be forced to have health insurance

Most students probably see health insurance as a necessity. But those who don't shouldn't have to purchase a coverage package to be enrolled in college.

While we applaud the UNC system's progress in providing cheap health insurance system administrators shouldn't be making personal decisions for students.

The UNC system will require students to have health insurance as early as 2010. Students will need to show proof of coverage or they will be billed for a university-provided health insurance plan.

Currently purchasing a health insurance plan through the University costs $1600. But with this new insurance program all UNC-system schools will use the same provider. The change in providers will bring the cost of a University insurance package down to about $600.

As an added benefit the University will help students front the costs if they can't afford the package.

This is relieving news to students who are feeling the effects of the recession — the University will provide financial assistance if students or their parents are unable to provide health insurance.

Some students might prefer to take their chances without insurance especially if they don't fall into a low enough income bracket to merit financial aid.

Ninety percent of the student body already has health insurance. The 10 percent of students that don't could be opting out because of financial reasons or because they just don't want coverage.

We appreciate the University's concern that students receive adequate health care. But part of the college experience is learning to make decisions and dealing with the consequences.

If a student doesn't want insurance they shouldn't have to pay for coverage. Even though that decision might not seem sensible to University administrators.