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UCF could require all students to carry health insurance

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A proposal at the University of Central Florida would require all students to have health insurance before they enroll in classes.

Officials said that currently, about 20 percent of UCF students don't have health insurance.

"I think it's a good idea simply because students need health insurance, but if you can't afford it, you can't afford it," said UCF junior Naomie Laroche.

University officials said a large number of those who lack insurance were covered through government programs at one time, but no longer are.  

"I haven't found a plan here in Orlando," said student Javier Galio. "The one I have over there in Palm Beach is held by the government."

Channel 9's Julie Salomone asked why the school might want to require students to have health insurance.

"They want their students to succeed. Healthy students are successful students and lots of our students have health issues,"said Dr. Michael Deichen, UCF's Director of Health Services. "We see 67,000 students a year in our health center."

Salomone found that the University of South Florida is also exploring the idea of making health insurance a requirement. Florida State University already requires health insurance and the University of Florida requires international students to show proof of coverage.