Although the current health insurance plan offered to Ohio University students does not expire for another year, Graduate Student Senate passed a resolution at last night’s meeting supporting an alternative plan.

Senate reviewed three alternative health insurance plans presented by Jacqueline Legg, business manager of OU’s Student Health Services, and endorsed one of the three that would raise the cost.

The plan supported by senate would cost students $1,135 annually, $325 more than the current $810 annual plan. The endorsed plan would orchestrate a $15 co-pay per doctor’s visit, but would offer 100 percent coverage for all other medical procedures.

“It’s less than a $100 difference between the plans,” said Katie Nutter, Graduate Student Senate secretary. “I’d really be willing to pay that to get those additional benefits.”

Legg said about 3,000 students purchase OU’s health insurance, and many of them are graduate students.

“There’s been a lot of interest in this group to keep costs down,” said Jeff Dickman, College of Engineering senator.

International students are required to purchase OU’s health insurance, and currently they must pay $399 more for a more comprehensive plan, Legg said.

Senate moved to support the plan in which international students would pay the same amount.

“What’s the rationale for treating international students differently than other students?” said Michael Mumper, Graduate Student Senate advisor and associate provost for graduate studies.

“A single plan is much easier to administer,” Legg said.

Graduate Student Senate also passed a resolution urging OU to create a framework to deal with former students suspected of violating the student code of conduct. This resolution is aimed at giving OU and the provost guidance in dealing with serious violations, such as academic misconduct or plagiarism, said Mark Mecum, senate president.

“I think it’s very fitting that we have a rule in place,” he said.