Volume 44, Issue 2. Today is
Students without health insurance have options
With the constant changes and controversy surrounding the current state of health insurance in the United States, it is difficult for young adults and students to acquire, maintain, and afford their own health insurance.
According to the US Census Bureau, 46.6 million Americans were without health insurance in 2005, an increase of 1.3 million people since 2004.
More than 200,000 students won’t have taken out any form of insurance cover when they move to college or University, also according to the US Census Bureau.
Attempting to explore and obtain information regarding health insurance options can be endless and complex.
There are a number of choices for college aged students; ranging from student insurance plans, to work coverage, to government funded programs.
Some students rely on their parent’s plan to provide them coverage through college, though this may only last until a certain age.
“For most insurance plans the age limit can extend up until 25 if you remain a full time student, otherwise it will expire at 18,” said John Abercrombie, a local State Farm Insurance agent.
“I’m on my parent’s plan until I graduate. There is only a five dollar co-pay for doctor visits,” explained Celina Guignard, an 18 year old nursing major at MCC.
While students may be able to afford the price of co-pay doctor visits, the monthly cost of insurance as a whole can be too expensive for those that are not covered.
“There is no real average rate for an individual insurance plan, it is dependent upon so many things, from medical history to where you live,” Abercrombie said.
For many students not covered by their parent’s plan, a monthly bill for individual insurance is simply not feasible.
“It’s hard enough to make my truck payment, pay for gas and still have money for cigarettes”, said Ken Felkins, an 18 year old Art Major at MCC.
For others who do not have the means to pay for health insurance, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System is one option to consider. AHCCCS contracts with health care plans and other program contractors, paying them a monthly capitation amount for each enrolled member. AHCCCS then provides health care to its members essentially free of charge.
Medical expenses are costly, an injury could force the sacrifice of a savings account intended for tuition, bringing one’s education to a halt.
Jane Na, a 21 year old music major, speaks highly of her experiences with ACCCHS. “In 2003 when I was badly burned, I signed up for ACCCHS at the hospital. I just had to prove a couple of things and I was approved pretty fast,” Na said.
The requirements for obtaining insurance through AHCCCS vary according to your income and household situation. It is designed for those who come from low income households.
The most common way of obtaining health insurance is employment based. According to the US Census Bureau, in 2005 59.5% of insured Americans were covered through their employer.
When looking for insurance provdiers, students should be aware of different policies.
Exclusions vary between insurers, so it’s important to read the policy terms conditions before one is purchased. In some insurance plans, students can only choose from a limited amount of doctors and health care providers.
Students who are full time and without employment may want to consider a student plan. Maricopa Community Colleges offers a student injury and sickness plan for those enrolled in more than three credit hours.
They also offer insurance for any eligible dependents of the student. The current Maricopa Community Colleges plan has an annual rate of $596 for individual students under the age of 26.
MCC also offers detailed brochures available in the Kirk Student Center in the lobby.