Heath insurance: more options needed for students

Inevitably college students get sick every semester which leaves them searching for a way to pay for a doctor’s visit and possibly medication. College students do not have enough healthcare options.

College is a difficult time for students because they aren’t always being financially supported of by their parents. At the same time, being a full-time college student makes it difficult to make enough money to pay for healthcare and other expenses.

There are not enough healthcare systems set up specifically for low income students. There are programs such as Medicare and Medicaid but most college students don’t meet the qualifications. As a result, students must turn to traditional and expensive insurance or pay out of pocket for healthcare.

Student health insurance is insufficient. Health insurance is provided to students at the University through an outside company. However, the insurance costs more than $400 a semester and the deductible is $300 and there is no prescription card.

College students cannot pay such high prices especially if they end up paying for prescriptions regardless.

Government agencies and colleges need to work together to provide health insurance for students. Privatization drives prices up and makes healthcare unattainable for low income students.

If the government worked together with colleges, prices could be controlled and students could get the healthcare they need.

By Brandon Pettey Opinion Editor