Health Plan Referendum: What to Know

The health plan referendum question in the CSA's General Election 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 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%.