What is the current health fee? How long has it been in effect?
The current health fee is $17.50 per semester for fall and spring. Each summer session is $6. A student health fee has been in effect since 1995 and at its current level since Fall 2000. 

How is the health fee collected?
The health fee is collected by the Manoa Cashier’s Office as part of the tuition and fees.

What activities/services does the current health fee support?
The student health fee supports the over-all operational costs of the University Health Services Manoa (UHSM). The services include:

• General medical clinics for illness and injuries, and specialty clinics in Women’s Health, Sports Medicine, Travel, Dermatology, Nutritional Counseling, and Mental Health.
• Pharmacy for prescription and over-the-counter medications
• Clinical laboratory for diagnostic tests
• Public health functions such as TB and immunization clearance, preventive vaccines, treatment and infection control of contagious diseases on campus, and other health and safety functions.
• Health promotion, wellness, substance abuse programs.
• Academic support such as teaching and research functions, as well as training opportunities for students. The UHSM serves as a resource center for students’ academic projects and training placements.

What other funding sources support the UHSM?
The UHSM receives approximately 15% of its budget from direct University funding. Fee-for-service collections account for 60%.

How many students use the Health Service?
According to graduating students’ surveys, approximately 65% of the student population used the Health Service during their time at UH Manoa. Our clinics provide 25,000 visits a year.

I never use the University Health Services. Why should I pay a fee at all?
A health fee represents the individual’s contribution to ensure that health care is accessible to everyone in our community. It allows the UHSM  to provide optimal services to those who are in need regardless of ability to pay. It also allows UHSM to maintain a healthy community. All students receive direct and indirect benefits.

What indirect benefits?

• Provides health promotion and public health functions, e.g. alcohol & other drug intervention program (so others won't suffer from consequences of drug abuse); mental health (so others may not suffer related effects); STD and AIDS prevention; pregnancy testing and prevention (obvious benefits to partners); immunizations (to prevent disease outbreaks).
• Serves as the resource center for health information. We assist students with academic papers and projects on topics related to health.
• Provides information on health for campus publications, participates in outreach projects to classes and other campus groups.
• Professional staff members teach academic courses, conduct health related training courses.
• Assists University in compliance with federal/state health regulations (OSHA, ADA, etc.). Participate in planning responses to emergencies and pandemics.
• Serves as training site for multiple health professional programs.
• Offers opportunities for student employment and experience in a health care facility.

Why isn’t the UHSM operation totally funded by fee-for-service?
The UHSM does submit insurance claims for services rendered. However, up to 50% of students have no insurance or have inadequate insurance coverage. Keep in mind that UHSM must serve all students regardless of ability to pay. Students’ out-of-pocket expenses, or co-payments, are kept very low to allow access to everyone. Annual increases in operational cost far outstrip revenue production. In addition, a significant portion of our services, e.g. public health functions, health education programs, and academic functions, are not revenue producing.

Are there other charges at the UHSM?
There are service charges for medical care provided at the UHSM. Claims are submitted to your insurance plan, if services are reimbursable. Reasonable service fees are charged if you don’t have insurance. Medications, supplies, laboratory tests, and some specialty clinic services are charged separately.

How do I know the UHSM is doing a good job and is responding to my needs?

• A Student Health Advisory Council (SHAC), consisting of students, faculty and staff members, provides review and advice on UHSM activities.
• We conduct twice a year client satisfaction surveys, and also participate in national student surveys for benchmarking.
• The UHSM is accredited by the AAAHC (Accreditation Association of Ambulatory Health Centers) to ensure that our facility and services meet professional national standards for clinics.
• All providers are credentialed to meet standards/criteria of professional medical service providers.
• Our laboratory is certified by CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act of 1988, that established federal standards), and our Pharmacy is licensed by the State Professional Licensing Board.
• The UHSM undergoes periodic University audits.

Are there health fees at other universities?
Yes. A 2007 survey of UH peer institutions showed that 100% have health fees and the average health fee is $105 per semester. (The UHM fee is $17.50.) Most health services also charge additional fees at time of service.


Last Updated: 04.21.2008