Graduate students' health insurance status and preferences.

A survey of graduate and professional students at the University of Michigan revealed that many (12.6%) do not have healthcare coverage. Minority students and students who are financing their education with loans and scholarships are at a particularly high risk of being uninsured. Students are divided in their preferences for changes in policies and systems of coverage. Most of the students' preference is for the university to offer a modestly improved plan and a requirement that students prove insurance coverage. In addition, some students indicated that they would like to have an inexpensive plan as well as the current system of voluntary insurance. After the survey, university officials opted to continue with current offerings and to add an improved policy under a voluntary system.