1/29 Health Care Advisory Committee

The HCAC is the entity that reviews and voices approval for the UHS budget before UHS presents to SSFC. This afternoon's meeting covered only the review of that budget.

The budget's major changes reflect the U-Square building project and operational/supply costs associated with that, including hiring new custodial staff, installing additional telephone lines, upgrading antiquated technology, etc. Thus, there will be a significant operating deficit for this 08-09 budget that will dissipate over the next 4 years. The decision was made to run a deficit rather than increase student segregated fees.

Physical Therapy programs will be expanded and moved into a contract with the Dept of Physical Therapy at the UW Hospital and Clinics. The cost of the expansion will be recouped by patient (student) billings, but the overall costs for students will decrease because administrative costs will be subsidized by the seg fee budget. Currently, a student who utilizes UWHC physical therapy does incur those administrative costs.

As UHS moves into the new U-Square development this coming winter (Dec 2008, Jan 2009), they expect that the utilization of services will go up because of proximity. This will also unpredictably increase the operating expenses.

UHS will present to SSFC on February 14.

Question: Would you be more likely to use University Health Services after it has moved into its new location at University Square?