With the opening of a new clinic in the Foodland shopping center, Castle Health Clinic wants BYU-Hawaii students to know the policy on accepting BYUH students for appointments and why they turn them down when students call the clinic.
The Castle Health Clinic of Laie opened its doors to the public last August. Despite its convenience in location, it may not be the most convenient choice for providing affordable health care.
Anita Bleyl-Olszowka, an administrative Nurse for Desert Mutual, said the Student Medical Benefit requires all students to go to the Health Center on campus. “[Students] need to go there first, see the doctor, then if needed, Dr. Christensen will refer them to a specialist.”
“If they don’t go through this, it is not covered. It costs $10 for an appointment at the Health Center. Castle is more expensive and it is not covered under the Student Medical Benefit,” continued Bleyl-Olszowka.
Tammy Kealoha, a receptionist at Castle Health Clinic, said they receive multiple phone calls from BYUH students who are trying to make an appointment. “We feel frustrated for them because we have to turn them down,”
Bleyl-Olszowka explained the Student Medical Benefit is not insurance but a
self-funded plan where all medical needs are met by the BYUH Health Center. “The students don’t know they have the benefit or they don’t understand what it entails.”
The Student Medical Benefit is designed with international students in mind, according to Bleyl-Olszowka. She said, “We are so blessed here. Idaho and Provo have large premiums to pay, we do not. A student must have 12 credits so Castle is beneficial to those who don’t have the Student Medical Benefit. [Castle] also are approved to do immigration physicals.”
Bleyl-Olszowka said also wanted to reiterate the costliness of emergency rooms. In a poster hung around campus, it reads, “Before going to the emergency room, a visit will cost more than you think, and it may not be necessary!”
She explained an emergency does not consist of something that occurs over the weekend when the Health Center is closed and can wait till Monday. “It might not be worth the hospital costs.”
The poster reads, “If you have a true emergency, please use the emergency room, but be prepared to pay the cost.” It lists that emergency room visits cost $50 plus 20% of charges, which is a $250 minimum.
