Many college students maintain health insurance through their parents until graduation. During tough economic times, some students are facing unemployed or underemployed parents that cannot provide sufficient coverage. College students generally have less risk for serious ailments, but a single emergency room visit without insurance can result in future financial distress.
Health Insurance in College
The Government Accountability Office reported that in 2006, 20% of college students did not have health insurance. Many college students utilize school services for basic conditions, such as common cold and flu viruses, but without insurance are not covered for emergency room care.
David Xia, writer for The Columbia Spector, reported in his article, "College Student's Coverage," that uninsured college students suffering emergency room care "may be forced to withdraw from school." The debt accumulated from lack of catastrophic coverage negatively affects the student for many years to come. Furthermore, untreated care is passed onto insured individuals, continuing to raise rates throughout the health insurance pool.
Bad Economy and Inconsistent Health Coverage
America is currently going through one of the worst recessions in history. With unemployment hovering around 10%, many parents that were supporting their children with health insurance coverage no longer have policies. During these tough economic times some students may try to save money by skipping out on health insurance. This practice can permanently impact a student's future if a car accident or serious illness were to occur while lacking coverage.
While insurance is necessary, the quality of this health coverage varies greatly, according to an Inside Higher Ed article written by Elizabeth Redden. The article highlights how affordable insurance plans vary tremendously, with premiums ranging from "$30 to $2,400." Furthermore, the quality of care also is inconsistent with several plans "not covering preventative services." College students, while not as likely to utilize as many services as older Americans, still need adequate coverage to protect against catastrophe and prevent small health issues from magnifying.
Students Need to Have Health Insurance
College students, while unlikely to have severe health complications, still need health insurance. Lifelong diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis are unlikely to strike young, healthy students but car accidents and meningitis do occur in the college setting. Catastrophic conditions that result in emergency room care can force students to burden even greater debt.
College is a time for expanding knowledge and opportunity for the future. Students spend considerable amounts of time, effort, and money dedicated towards a college education. Worrying about medical bills or the possibility of financial meltdown from emergency room care should not occupy students' minds.
Young minds today are stressing enough about poor economic conditions. The consequences of financial distress from lack of health insurance are only another obstacle that is stifling the educational system. Students need to seek out reasonable health insurance, if not provide by their parents. This will ensure that their minds are focused on the future and not on paying back thousands in medical bills from a broken leg playing softball.
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Keith Cronin - Keith is a physical therapist in the St. Louis area and enjoys writing on the topics of health, sports, and education. Keith provides ...
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