Dear Sam,
This is my second year as a TA and I have used the health insurance benefits a few times in the past. In those cases I went to Olin, but currently I have been having a toothache and Olin doesn’t provide dentistry care, as far as I know. What can you recommend?
Denny Tall
Denny,
As you probably already know, as a teaching assistant you are automatically enrolled in the graduate assistant health care plan (which is a significant step up from the general student base plan). This plan, however, does NOT include dental coverage.
To address this shortage, the GEU has bargained to secure dental coverage availability for all teaching assistants through a cost-sharing plan with Michigan State. The plan is through Midwestern Dental and you have to enroll in the plan, but you can do this at any time. For an enrollment form, stop by the GEU office (319 1/2 E Grand River Ave) or download the form from our website.
For a one-time payment of $34.50 (Michigan State pays the other half), you can receive two free cleanings/examinations with x-rays included. You also receive significant discounts on fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, and all other services. Past GEU bargaining committees have fought hard for this benefit, so take advantage of it and spread the word to others who may benefit from it as well.
Smilingly yours,
Sam Otten
Sam Otten is the chair of the Grievance Committee of the Graduate Employees Union at Michigan State University.
