[nottrustin]

We received in the mail a letter regarding tuition insurance for my daughter. In the event she is unable to finish a semester of college for medical reasons the insurance company would reimburse us for what we paid for the semester. Which is great except that once again mental health is treated so differently. According to the letter if the reason is medical/ physical the rate is 100% of the tuition. If it is because of medical/ mental heath the rate is only 60%, It really makes me angry that it is so different.

[Mike_J]

I agree, not sure when the world will realize that mental health = psychical health

Why is it still OK to discriminate against those of us with mental illness???

[Perna]

I have never heard of tuition insurance. I do not know how much you paid for it but if you are worried your daughter will not finish what she starts, I would not have her start it? Usually one can drop out with no penalty up to about the middle of the course and, after that, you probably will have paid as much in premiums as you will get back? I would not buy that kind of insurance.

I can see if she gets physically sick, one does get suddenly physically sick and have to drop out but mental illnesses one usually already has so can "get again" (depression comes to mind) and the chances of that are greater than suddenly being in an accident or something and having to drop out. Mental health insurance is a bit like dental and vision insurance, only those who want to use it are going to buy it so there is no one "healthy" to pay premiums for those who get sick. Insurance is a business and regulated by your State. They cannot discriminate or they would not be allowed to do business/sell policies to you.

[nottrustin]

Originally Posted by Perna

I have never heard of tuition insurance. I do not know how much you paid for it but if you are worried your daughter will not finish what she starts, I would not have her start it? Usually one can drop out with no penalty up to about the middle of the course and, after that, you probably will have paid as much in premiums as you will get back? I would not buy that kind of insurance.

I can see if she gets physically sick, one does get suddenly physically sick and have to drop out but mental illnesses one usually already has so can "get again" (depression comes to mind) and the chances of that are greater than suddenly being in an accident or something and having to drop out. Mental health insurance is a bit like dental and vision insurance, only those who want to use it are going to buy it so there is no one "healthy" to pay premiums for those who get sick. Insurance is a business and regulated by your State. They cannot discriminate or they would not be allowed to do business/sell policies to you.

Unfortunately, it appears that they can discriminate because it is one policy that covers both just that one has a higher payout rate. I didn't purchase the insurance. I have no concerns about her not finishing. Fortunately, the school she will be attending has an amazing mental health program to help the students. Her school is one of the model schools when it come to their mental health and sexual assault programs. Many schools in the country have modeled their program after it...not saying it can't happen but I am not overly concerned.

[InRealLife45]

Originally Posted by Mike_J

I agree, not sure when the world will realize that mental health = psychical health

Why is it still OK to discriminate against those of us with mental illness???

bc we cost too much money. theres no definitive cure and done or dead. theres treat treat treat treat endlessly for the rest of your life. racks up quite a bill.