Pilot Program Allows Universities to Provide Health Insurance to Students

(ALBANY, N.Y.) -- Large universities in New York are being given the opportunity to directly provide health insurance to their students, as a result of a new pilot program announced by Governor Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday.

The program will allow universities to offer health coverage at a lower cost, thanks to legislation recently signed into law, stated a release from the governor's office. So far the universities found to be eligible to insure their students are: Columbia University, Cornell University, New York University, and the University of Rochester.

"While many students are covered by their parents’ health insurance, other students have to purchase coverage, which can be a burden for families already dealing with tuition and other costs," Cuomo said in a statement. "Allowing the schools themselves to offer health plans lowers the cost, while ensuring that students get the health coverage they need."

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