Students at the University of Wisconsin-Stout will have expanded health care options starting Jan. 1, when a new agreement between the university and Prevea Health goes into effect.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2022, Student Health Services at UW-Stout will be managed by Prevea, according to a press release from the university.
Through the new partnership, UW-Stout students will have access to Prevea Urgent Care locations throughout western Wisconsin, as well as Prevea Virtual Care for common conditions. Students will also be able to contact a Prevea nurse by phone at any time seven days a week and will have access to psychiatric services for diagnostic assessments and medication management.
According to the press release, UW-Stout will also continue to provide counseling services to students at its Counseling Center.
In response to questions from the CVPost, UW-Stout Dean of Students Sandi Scott said on Monday that students’ costs for health care will not increase. She declined to provide information about what the new arrangement will cost the university and how that compares to Student Health Services’ current operating costs.
Scott said that seven current Student Health Services employees will be laid off at the end of 2021 but noted that some will have an option to apply for similar positions with Prevea Health. She said the Prevea proposal was one of three considered by the university before making this move.
In the university press release, UW-Stout Chancellor Katherine Frank thanked “the current and former staff in Student Health Services who have provided exemplary support and services to our students for many years. Their commitment to excellence has been instrumental in ensuring the health of our student body.”
The press release also contained the following statement from Ken Johnson, chief medical officer and vice president of operations for Prevea in western Wisconsin:
“Prevea Health is honored to embark on this new journey with the university to enhance student health care services. We have the experts and resources on hand to provide students high-quality health care that is close, convenient and reliable.”
This story was reported by Ta’Leah Van Sistine, community reporter/editor and David Gordon, associate editor. The CVPost intends to pursue further details about the arrangement between UW-Stout and Prevea Health.