Arizona State Savings & Credit Union recently formed a partnership with PacifiCare Health Systems to offer health insurance to students of the three largest colleges in the state.
The program, known as "Arizona Student Choice," is available to students at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona State University in Tempe and Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff.
All students at these schools are in the credit union's field of membership, and the credit union has branches near the three campuses.
Chris Goldsmith, vice president of business development for Arizona Financial Network's website, the credit union's CUSO, said the program's name stems from the fact it offers students an alternative to the health programs sponsored by the universities.
"It offers students a choice. We are using a tri-branded marketing campaign with the credit union brand, the CUSO brand and the PacifiCare brand," he said. "We are attempting to drive students to our credit union. Offering health insurance is a way to expand our relationships with young adult members of the credit union."
Students can apply through the Arizona Financial Network's website, or in person with PacifiCare representatives on-site at Arizona State Savings & Credit Union's branches near the universities during the first two weeks of the academic year.
The enrollment period has ended for this year.
Goldsmith said Arizona State Savings & CU does not yet have figures on how many students signed up.
