Editorial: Upcoming grads: health insurance can’t be forgotten

Of the 12.5 million residents of Pennsylvania, or 8.2 percent, one million don’t have health… Of the 12.5 million residents of Pennsylvania, or 8.2 percent, one million don’t have health insurance. That number jumped from 7.5 percent in 2004, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. These statistics ‘mdash; revealed by a new, statewide survey ‘mdash; include Pennsylvanians from all demographic backgrounds. Major urban areas contain the highest concentration of uninsured residents ‘mdash; more than 30 percent reside in Philadelphia, while Pittsburgh and Harrisburg each have about 16 percent.’ Caught up in their daily lives, most college students might keep health insurance at the back of their minds, but the matter should be at the forefront for upcoming grads. Full-time students ‘mdash; meaning 12 credits a semester at Pitt ‘mdash; usually still have coverage under their parents’ health insurance plan, if their parents have health insurance. But when full-time students turn 21 or 22, their established coverage often severs them. Some students enrolled at community colleges across Pennsylvania attended college full-time for the sole purpose of staying on their families’ health insurance plans.’ Health insurance is by no means inexpensive, and looking for health insurance only adds to the increasing burden of finding a job. Pitt students pay a fee ‘mdash; separate from tuition ‘mdash; that goes toward medical coverage from Student Health. While the Student Health Center provides medical services such as common-cold care and STD screenings, its services are similar to those offered at a clinic. Under students’ tuition, the Student Health fees don’t cover prescription pharmaceuticals. And the Student Health Center sends any students with serious medical accidents or conditions to area hospitals such as UPMC. The student must cover fees accumulated from medical services that extend beyond Student Health’s ability. In these instances, students would benefit from having health care, which helps in paying off exorbitant medical bills.’ The care provided by Student Health covers a good range of students’ needs. But students shouldn’t get used to the ‘free’ services that it provides. Even simple medical procedures and basic checkups often require pricey co-pays in the real world. At times, college students are apt to feel nothing short of invincible. Their feelings are fueled by the very purpose of the institution: The entire point of college banks on preparing students for successful lives ahead. So this semester, as you fret about graduation, internship opportunities and deciding where to live, don’t let finding health care slip your mind. Sure, it will cost you, but it might cost you more not to have it.’ ‘