The Ins and Outs of Medical Insurance for College Students

3 Essential Measures for Young Adults to Manage Their Health

Understanding Insurance and Maintaining Good Health

• Explore Insurance Options: Whether it’s staying on a parent’s plan, checking out student plans offered by the college, or considering the Health Insurance Marketplace, there are several avenues for students to obtain health coverage.
• Know Where to Seek Care: Research in-network doctors, urgent care centers near campus, and utilize on-campus health clinics to make the most of your insurance coverage and ensure cost-effective medical care.
• Select a Pharmacy: It’s important to have access to necessary medications. Consider options including mail-order pharmacy services, and be mindful of local pharmacy options that accept your insurance coverage.

As the fall semester commences, college students are preoccupied with various concerns, but amidst the excitement, it’s crucial to address health insurance and healthcare access to focus on studies and social life. We’ve condensed comprehensive guidance into a quick three-step plan:

1. Step 1: Obtaining Health Insurance

First and foremost, students must secure health insurance coverage. They have several options to explore:

• Stay on a Parent’s Plan: Students under 26 can opt to remain on their parents’ health insurance plan, ensuring to inquire about out-of-state coverage.
• Student Plans: Many colleges provide student coverage, particularly beneficial for primary care needs.
• Health Insurance Market: Students can also consider shopping for insurance on the marketplace, possibly qualifying for financial assistance or Medicaid.
2. Step 2: Finding Healthcare Providers

After obtaining insurance, it’s important to be aware of where to seek medical care. Researching in-network doctors, urgent care facilities, and on-campus health clinics is vital to efficiently utilizing the insurance coverage.

3. Step 3: Selecting a Pharmacy

Access to medications is essential, and students should consider options to ensure they can receive necessary prescriptions. This may include utilizing mail-order pharmacy services for regular medications and identifying local pharmacies that accept insurance coverage for immediate needs.

Throughout the academic year, if students have inquiries about their coverage, they can promptly seek information by contacting the 1-800 number on the back of their insurance card or reaching out to their insurance company through social media channels.