Government Health Insurance For College Students

Understanding The Health Insurance Changes

In response to student concerns related to the cost of student health insurance, access to affordable education and changes to federal policy, the University of Maine System is eliminating its health insurance verification requirement. As a result, UMS will no longer require that students provide proof of health insurance coverage and will no longer offer an insurance policy that automatically enrolls students in an insurance plan. This means that if you are at a UMS school next academic year and had planned to utilize the student health insurance option offered through your university, you will need to take action to secure a health insurance plan.

How to Navigate Student Insurance Options

This webpage highlights different options that will allow students to purchase health insurance that meets each students individual needs.

It can take time to figure out the best choice for your future health care coverage. If you are interested in any of these options, we recommend that you immediately begin the process of shopping for and securing healthcare coverage.

Some options include:

Option 1 Health Insurance Offered through a Workplace, Parent or Family Members Policy

Option 2 The Government Healthcare Marketplace

To help you through these choices, UMS has formed a new partnership with health insurance navigators who specialize in helping individuals and families consider their available options in the marketplace, including eligibility for subsidized coverage.

Understanding Health Insurance For College Students

Beyond the mandatory coverage laws rolling into effect this season, there are countless reasons that college students should take health insurance seriously. For one, young people are at least as vulnerable to illness, accidents and the consequences of bad decisions as adults are. And when emergency medical expenses do come up, students are rarely in a financial position to cover them.

Health Insurance For College Students

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How Long Will You Give Me Cash Assistance Covid 19 Emergency

For low-income families, cash assistance would be provided for 21 months, followed by two six-month extensions. The COVID-19 emergency allows you to request and receive additional extensions since the pandemic is regarded as an event beyond your control.

You may receive additional 6-month extensions if you have two obstacles to getting work after 33 months that prevent you from working full-time. For example:

1. Your child :

• suffers from a serious physical or behavioral health condition
• The court or the Department of Children and Families are causing you problems.

2. A household member has the following problem:

• mental or physical disability
• or inability to read English
• inability to work because of childcare or transportation problems.

As long as your 60 months havent been exhausted, you can request an extension at any time, even after you have stopped receiving cash assistance .

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You Should Know: Changes To The Aca

• Though the Affordable Care Act is still law as of this writing, some changes have taken place since its implementation. One of the biggest aspects of the Affordable Care Act was the requirement that everyone obtains health insurance or pays a fee, called the Individual Shared Responsibility Payment . But starting with the 2019 calendar year, individuals who choose not to obtain health insurance coverage no longer have to pay this fee.
• Another key change is that in earlier years, applicants had until January or February of the new year to sign up for coverage. But for the 2019 calendar year, open enrollment ends on December 15.

To learn about additional changes which may occur, refer to healthcare.gov for the most current information.

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S For Using Your Health Insurance

No matter where patients get their health insurance, there are procedures they need to follow in order to receive services. The following explains what some of those procedures are.

Faq: Coverage For Recent College Grads

Graduating from college is an exciting time, so people may not necessarily be considering what they will do about their health insurance coverage during this stage of their life. However, it is still important for recent grads to make sure they have coverage in case the unexpected happens. This section answers some questions that people may have about getting health insurance after graduation.

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Stress And Mental Health

Nearly all college students complain about significant stress, and many experience mental health issues as a result. Common challenges include anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and substance abuse. Additionally, psychiatric disorders, such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, often emerge when patients are in their early 20s.

Students experiencing such problems should seek strategies to manage their stress and seek aid from mental health professionals.

What Are Canada Student Grants

The Canada Student Grants Program provides financial assistance to students based on financial need, but unlike student loans, grants dont have to be paid back! In the 2017/2018 academic year, nearly half a million students received more than $1 billion in federal grants.

The value of a grant also depends on your familys income and whether you are a full-time or part-time student. Full-time students can receive up to $3,000 per academic year, while part-time students can receive up to $1,800 per academic year. If you are a student with a permanent disability or are Indigenous, you may be eligible for additional government student aid.

If your familys income is above the income thresholds for Canada Student Grant eligibility, you may not qualify for a grant. However, if you are eligible for a grant as well as a loan, you have the option to decline the loan and receive only the grant.

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Get Health Insurance And Protect Yourself Against Costly Medical Bills

As a college student, health insurance is a must. It can help protect you against costly medical bills if you become ill or injured. There are many different types of health insurance plans available. That is why you need to search and inquire for insurance policies that can give you full coverage without breaking the bank.

If you do not have student health insurance, you may want to consider purchasing a plan. Having health insurance can help ensure that you receive the best possible care if you need it.

In a world where healthcare costs will continue to rise, it is important that you are insured. Too often, people wait until they are sick or injured to get coverage, and by then, its too late. The best time to get health insurance is when you dont need it like now, while in college.

Sarah Gilbert is a licensed insurance broker, specializing in auto, home and renters insurance products. She reviews insurance content on College Educated for accuracy and has a particular passion for making sure that college students and recent graduates have proper insurance coverage. Her latest passion includes researching all forms of business insurance, to ensure that recent college grads who look to entrepreneurship can have the right protection.

The Pros And Cons Of Different Health Insurance Plans For College Students

There are a variety of health insurance plans available to college students, and each has its own set of pros and cons. The best plan for a student will depend on their individual needs and budget.

The most common type of health insurance for college students is through their parents plans. If the student is under 26 years old, they can usually stay on their parents health insurance plan.

This can be a great option for students because it is usually less expensive than buying their own health insurance. However, it may not cover everything the student needs, such as dental or mental health care.

Additionally, the student may not be able to see the same doctors or providers that they are used to if they are on a different insurance plan.

Another option for college students is to purchase their own health insurance plan.

This can be a good option for students who do not have access to their parents health insurance or who need more coverage than their parents plan provides. However, it can be more expensive than being on a parents plan.

Additionally, the student will need to research different plans to find one that meets their needs and budget.

Some colleges and universities offer health insurance plans to their students. These plans are usually less expensive than purchasing an individual plan, but they may not cover as much as an individual plan.

Additionally, the student may need to use providers within the colleges network, which could limit their choices.

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Busting 5 Health Insurance Myths

Since health insurance can be complicated, there are many myths associated with it. The following are some of those myths and the truth that students and recent graduates should know.

Myth:I’m young and healthy. I don’t need insurance.

Busted:

Students who are young and healthy today may believe they don’t need health insurance. However, there is no guarantee that anyone won’t develop an illness and need treatment, or get into an accident that requires care. As a result, it’s important for young people to get insurance in case they end up needing health care services that they may not otherwise be able to afford.

Myth:The Affordable Care Act has been completely repealed.

Busted:

This is false. However, there have been changes made to the legislation since the current administration took power. For example, people are no longer subject to tax penalties for not having insurance. Although college students and recent grads can currently get coverage through the Affordable Care Act, it’s important for them to keep up with what’s going on in case further changes are made.

Myth:If I have a pre-existing condition, I’m out of luck.

Busted:

Under the Affordable Care Act, people cannot be turned down for insurance because they have a pre-existing condition. In addition, insurance companies are prohibited from charging these patients more or denying an insurance claim because of their pre-existing condition.

Myth:The best insurance is always through work.

Busted:

Busted:

Although Health Insurance Is No Longer Required To Attend The University Of Maine System Affordable Health Insurance Is Available

Our commitment to student success extends far beyond the classroom. Changes to our health insurance policies and our new partnership with Maines health insurance navigators remove financial and administrative barriers to higher education and provide students with the expert advice they need to improve their wellbeing and financial stability.

Affordable health insurance provides the financial stability and peace of mind students need to be successful in college. While it will no longer be required, the University of Maine System strongly encourages students to acquire health insurance coverage that meets their individual needs. There are cost-effective options available for many students, including expanded eligibility for income-based premium subsidies.

Please be sure to be in touch if you have questions by calling: 207-581-2681

Frequently Asked Questions

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Ready To Start Your Journey

• Despite being highly susceptible to illness, injury, and infection, college students are one of the most underinsured population groups.
• Students can often choose between several health insurance options, including Medicare, their parent’s health insurance, and school-provided insurance.
• Students should take proactive measures to help minimize risk and save on medical spending.

Health insurance helps cover the cost of medical treatment, doctor’s visits, prescriptions, and other health-related expenses. Colleges typically require students to either enroll in a student health insurance plan or prove that they are already insured through a different plan.

Although students may think they do not need insurance because they are in good health, they still face a high risk of injury and infection. Risky behaviors, participation in athletics, and auto accidents commonly lead to injuries that require medical attention.

Additionally, outbreaks of pathogens such as meningitis are relatively common on college campuses. Because of the exorbitant cost of medical care in the U.S., students without insurance are often left with high healthcare bills without the means to pay them off.

Students can choose from an array of health insurance options, including Medicaid, school-provided insurance, and their parents’ insurance. This guide explores these options in more detail.

Organizations Can Help Unemployed In Hardship

Organizations can help you after you have exhausted the extensions, many local governments and private organizations may be able to offer you more help. Unlike unemployment benefits, these groups offer food, bill payment or help in finding employment based on need rather than your employment history. Often the need has to be applied and tested. You can find a list of these organizations on the website of your claims status or by contacting the local Social Security office.

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Experience Lower Costs And Added Benefits

Student health plans can be a valuable solution for college students and their families. Not only can they cost less than other plans even less than staying on an employer-sponsored family plan they can also provide better benefits.

Here are some reasons to think about a student health plan .

• Lower cost deductibles and premiums.
• Comprehensive benefits, including added services not always found with other plans.
• Greater access to national and local networks of physicians and behavioral health specialists.
• Better coverage for school-sponsored, on-site health clinics and virtual visit services.

Student plans come with added benefits because theyre designed with students in mind. Lower rates are possible partly because theyre based on a younger, healthier population and provide coverage for a limited time . Families and students can save money and get high-quality coverage at the same time.

Can College Students Use Their Parents Health Insurance

Under the Affordable Care Act, college students and young adults can stay on their parents health insurance policies until they turn 26 years old. You can join or remain on your parents plan even if you are married, live separately from your parents, or are financially independent.

Getting coverage through your parents plan can be beneficial because you can continue seeing your current healthcare providers, you may get access to more comprehensive coverage than youd get on your own, and adding a family member to an existing policy may be cheaper than getting individual coverage.

You can be added to your parents policy during the annual Open Enrollment period, or you may qualify for Special Enrollment if you lose your existing healthcare coverage.

When you turn 26, youre no longer eligible for your parents coverage, and youll have to get insurance on your own.

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Can College Students Get Free Health Insurance

Most of the time, health insurance will be free because it’s paid for with a scholarship or grant or because parents provide the coverage. Some college students may be able to obtain coverage at no cost to them by getting it through Medicaid or qualifying for subsidies that equal the cost of the monthly premiums of a policy purchased through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

How Long Does It Take To Get Hardship Fund From Government

Usually it dont take too much of time to get the fund of Hardship Grants, but yes it is not instant too. Once your grant is sanctioned it take usually 3 to 4 weeks to get Government Hardship Grants Funds. The Government Fund required Various Verifications and Follow a proper Process Before these are given to any individuals.

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If No One Claims You As A Dependent

• And you live separately from your parents : You should fill out your own separate application. Your savings will be based on only your income, not your parent’s.
• And you live with your parents: You should apply on your own separate application. But if you’re under 21, you may need to provide information about your parents and their income to complete the application.

When asked if you have health coverage, answer “No.” Choose “No” even if you have student health coverage and plan to drop it when you enroll in a Marketplace plan.

How To Choose & Purchase Student Medical Coverage

Choosing health insurance is an important decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. In order to make an informed choice, it’s imperative for students and recent graduates to understand what their options are. The table below provides information on medical coverage avenues to help people make that choice.

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