By Toma Lynn Smith
The U.S. Census Bureau stated that by 2015, there will be 30 million Americans between the ages of 18 and 24. If things continue the way they are now, about 11 million of those will be un-insured.
“You shouldn’t go a day without health insurance. Bad stuff happens to people who are young and healthy and feel invincible,” stated Sandra Block, financial columnist for USA Today. “Young is relative, because at any age, young or old, being un-insured is costly.”
Whether through your job or on your own, Block stated, “Maintaining continuous coverage is critical: If you become seriously ill while you’re uninsured, you may not be able to obtain health insurance in the future.”
Jonna Sears, a junior psychology and sociology major, said she is covered under her mother’s health insurance plan until age 23, like many other students. After students are removed from their parents plans, it is their own responsibility to get insurance for themselves. The trend is that they are passing on the choice to have it through their employers.
According to Dr. Michael Kobernick, medical director of the Great Lakes Health Plan, chronic illnesses usually do not happen to those 18 – 24, so the thought of getting sick is overlooked. “People do not recognize this group as having a lot of health care needs or resources,” said Kobernick in the article “The Young and Un-insured.”
Fine Arts senior Ryan Stearman said insurance can be somewhat worrisome. His health insurance is from his employer, The University of Louisville.”I pay a nominal monthly fee for [it],” he said, and his life insurance is free.
During the flood of September 2006 in Louisville, Stearman’s car was completely damaged. Opting for full coverage on his auto helped ease the burden. The insurance company paid for his car.
His renter’s insurance is about $12 a month and it covers $7,000 to $8,000 worth of apartment content.
In Kentucky, most insurance companies will not charge more than $15 a month for renter’s insurance, a small price to pay for protection of stolen or fire damaged personal items.
Finding and paying for insurance can be the most difficult part about this necessity. Discounts may be available to students for being in college or through their employer.
While being a full-time college student may help, having great grades may help more.
State Farm agent Mike Shelton said a discount is granted for automobile insurance for those in school under the age of 25 and have a grade point average of 3.0 annually or graduate with a bachelor’s degree.
College students should use their research skills beyond class assignments and find out what they need and can afford. The Internet is most useful with its array of information regarding this topic.
The Web site http://www.esurance.com may be worth a shot. Another tactic is to network, which is often associated with job hunting. Family functions and hanging out with friends can give you leads to where and how to purchase insurance, and most importantly, an idea of the prices.
