Monday, March 17, 2008

Dear Western New Mexico University Student-Athlete:

The upcoming 2008-2009 academic year is approaching. To prepare you for changes in Western New Mexico University Athletics Department insurance policy, we would like to inform you in advance of what is expected to participate in next year’s sports seasons.

To quote from the first page of the Student-Athlete Participation Packet, available online at www.wnmumustangs.com under the heading “Athletic Training”:

Western New Mexico University Athletics (WNMU) provides secondary accident medical coverage for its student-athletes. This policy is offered on an “excess” basis; therefore, the student-athlete needs primary insurance that covers them as a student-athlete in the State of New Mexico. WNMU is not responsible for meeting individual or family deductibles. Under the terms of our policy, WNMU is billed secondary to other valid and collectible medical insurance policies the student-athlete is affiliated with.

Overall, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING YOUR OWN HEALTH INSURANCE. To make your search easier, if you do not already have health insurance, the Athletics Department has contacted two health insurance providers locally. They will work with you to streamline the process in order to get the coverage you need at an affordable price.

The parameters we will require you and your insurance provider to have are:
1. The health insurance must be valid in New Mexico for collegiate athletics.
2. It must have a deductible at, or below, $1,000.00.
3. It must cover at least August 1 – May 31 (10 months).

Note: If you are not a New Mexico resident and chose an insurance policy that limits your access to medical services, such as surgery, physical therapy, physician’s visits, etc., you must go to your home state to get that assistance. We encourage you to look at your options carefully.

If you have any questions about the Athletics Department policy change, feel free to contact:

WNMU Athletic Trainers
575-538-6236
Michael Stimac: stimacm@wnmu.edu
Terra Strain: straint1@wnmu.edu

Sincerely,

Michael Stimac and Terra Strain