Spring Break
Athletics department ranks among best in country
for student-athlete health care
Andrea Frainier
Issue date: 11/18/08 Section: News
"The more we dug into the issue of health coverage, we found out that medical expenses are not mandatory for schools to pay," Huma said. "I think the health issue should be one of the recruit's top priorities when choosing a school regardless how prominent the athletic program is. If you have a permanent injury … you could be stuck with a lot of debt."
Shaw said athletes who participate in SJSU's athletic program are covered if they get injured in a game, at practice or during conditioning.
"We are going to cover their injuries and nothing's going to come out of the student-athlete's or their parent's pockets," Shaw said.
Shaw said that despite the CSU budget cuts, there are no plans to cut the medical policy program.
"We do many things for cost containment," Shaw said. Shaw said the university has contracts with facilities and surgery centers to keep costs down and a team of physicians who voluntarily treat athletes.
"One of the nice things we have is a fantastic student health center on campus that many students aren't aware of," Shaw said.
Maricela Avila, a senior business finance major, said she thinks universities should cover their athletes' medical expenses.
"I think they should because (athletes) are an important part of the university and they represent us," she said.
Jay Lontoc, a senior computer engineering major, agreed.
"I think they should have 100-percent coverage since they play for school and they risk their own health playing sports," he said. "I think they should do the same for other students too because we have the gym for recreational activities and they should … feel safe being here."
Shaw said athletes who participate in SJSU's athletic program are covered if they get injured in a game, at practice or during conditioning.
"We are going to cover their injuries and nothing's going to come out of the student-athlete's or their parent's pockets," Shaw said.
Shaw said that despite the CSU budget cuts, there are no plans to cut the medical policy program.
"We do many things for cost containment," Shaw said. Shaw said the university has contracts with facilities and surgery centers to keep costs down and a team of physicians who voluntarily treat athletes.
"One of the nice things we have is a fantastic student health center on campus that many students aren't aware of," Shaw said.
Maricela Avila, a senior business finance major, said she thinks universities should cover their athletes' medical expenses.
"I think they should because (athletes) are an important part of the university and they represent us," she said.
Jay Lontoc, a senior computer engineering major, agreed.
"I think they should have 100-percent coverage since they play for school and they risk their own health playing sports," he said. "I think they should do the same for other students too because we have the gym for recreational activities and they should … feel safe being here."
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