How to Obtain Student Health Insurance With Low Income
When you're on your own at college, it can be hard to find affordable health insurance. If your parents have health insurance through their employers, you may be covered. If not, there are options, such as purchasing a policy through a campus organization, finding public funding to cover your needs, and more.
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Things You'll Need
- Proof of income
- Proof of enrollment
- Proof of living expenses (rent, utilities, other bills)
- Government-issued identification
Instructions
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Ask your parents about their health insurance policy. Many group health insurance programs provided by employers cover dependent children up to age 22 as long as they're in school
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Check with the school administration to see if there's a public health nurse on staff. In addition to being able to treat minor illnesses and injuries, a school health official can direct you to state agencies and federally funded programs for student insurance.
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Find the state agency that distributed medicaid for families by calling 1-877-KIDS NOW. Each state has a different name for this agency. The yellow pages often have a section for community resources. Once you've applied for assistance from the state, they can direct you to other agencies if your income is too high for free insurance, they often have inexpensive plans for students. If they can't help you, ask for a referral to someone who can.
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Apply for insurance before you need it. It can take some time before your paperwork is finished. If you need medical care and you're not insured, ask for a referral to a social service agency upon admission.
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Compare rates for several companies that advertise low cost insurance, before you choose one. Keep an eye open for co-payments for office visits and hospital stays. Compare the co-payments for prescription medication. Make sure that the services you're most likely to use, like urgent care services for sudden illness or family planning services are covered. Calculate what you'd spend per year on out-of-pocket expenses versus your monthly payments with each type of insurance you're considering which is the most cost-effective.
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Check with the member services office for any organizations you're involved with, such as honor societies, fraternities, sororities, professional organizations or service organizations. Sometimes they offer discounted insurance plans to members.
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Visit insurance comparison websites, like eHealthInsurance, that allow you to enter your information and compare the rates of several companies such as Premera Blue Cross and Regence Blue Shield.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are eligible for state-funded insurance, let the agency know about any outstanding medical bills. The agency may be able to pay them retroactively if you can prove that you were eligible when you incurred those bills. Each state has different requirements.
