UF's Student Health Care Center recently introduced a new fee to take effect this semester.
The facility now charges a $15 handling fee for all tests processed by the center's laboratory.
Handling was previously done for free.
The new charge allows all students to have their lab work completed on campus, regardless of their insurance provider.
"Before the fee, a student might have to travel from location to location depending on what their insurance would cover," health center spokeswoman Catherine Seeman said.
"It's about convenience and comfort," she said. "By charging, we can continue to provide continuity of care."
While the costs of the actual tests vary, students will now pay what their insurance policy dictates, in addition to the $15.
Although most infirmary charges are related to insurance, the new cost comes directly from the Student Health Care Center.
The staff time used for handling and processing lab materials will be compensated using the money collected by the new charge.
Because the fee affects UF students directly, the change is causing debate among students.
"The fee wouldn't affect whether or not I get immediate health attention. It's not unreasonable," freshman Zachary Glatzer said.
However, senior Michael Pipitone, 21, disagrees.
"I used to go to the infirmary a lot, mostly out of convenience, because I knew it was covered," he said. "Now, I don't have a problem with getting into my car and finding a cheaper health center. I would rather go to an off-campus health center where my insurance covers everything."
Additional information regarding the new costs can be found on the UF Student Health Care Center website or by email at insurance@shcc.ufl.edu.
