University Plans Compulsory Medical Insurance Program

The University is considering a program of compulsory medical insurance for all students, the CRIMSON learned yesterday. The Hygiene Department has already submitted estimates on the cost and operation of the plan to the HAA, which will presumably bring it before the Corporation.

If adopted, the plan would probably provide for the payment of all medical fees by the University. At present the $30 charge on all term bills takes care of infirmary fees for only two weeks or less. Athletes in major sports, however, are completely taken care of for injuries resulting from their participation in those sports.

Others Have Plan

The University has consulted several insurance companies about the plan. Similar programs are in operation at M.I.T. Yale, and other Eastern colleges, and various groups here have long advocated that Harvard adopt such a plan.

It is possible that the insurance plan will not be made compulsory, but will be offered an a special University service. If 70 percent of the students signed up for it. its cost would be from $15 to $20 a term, in addition to the usual medical fee.

Dr. Arlie V. Bock, Oliver Professor of Hygiene and director of the Hygiene Department, said yesterday that he was against the University insurance plan in principal, but said he thought all men engaged in contact sports should have private accident insurance.