A number of months ago, we wrote on this blog about the funding challenges associated with Ohio University's health center, which you can find here

We've been following the evolving story with interest, and there is some good news to report: in a development that other health centers may want to replicate, Ohio University has decided to address its funding crisis by embracing "third party billing." In its most basic form, third party billing means allowing and encouraging students to use their parents insurance to decrease costs for both students and institutions.

The publication "Inside Higher Ed" covers the story ("Your Campus ID and Insurance Card, Please," 7/3/08) and makes the point that "With the revenue it (Ohio University) hopes to tap into, the university is considering a renovation and addition to its health facility, and is expanding its services this fall." The school plans to hire additional psychologists with the added resources, adding evening and weekend hours, and even a renovation.

So third party billing not only can improve the economics of student health centers, it is also improving the quality of care along the way, a topic about which CSHAL cares deeply.