New graduates living without health insurance
May 5, 2009
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has a story today about new college graduates struggling because they don’t have health insurance.
My first thought as I read this article was, “What’s new?”
I graduated from college 10 years ago. School was finished in early May. As of graduation day, I was no longer covered under my parents’ health insurance. I didn’t find a job until almost the end of July. Once I did get that job, I had to work for several months with no insurance. My benefits didn’t kick in until I had made it through a probationary period.
I have always viewed this as a rite of passage. I assumed that most college graduates went through this, with the exception of those lucky few who were able to secure a job before graduation.
According to the P-G article, some universities, like Point Park in Pittsburgh, are offering short-term medical insurance for new graduates. The plan does not cover routine visits, but the premiums are decent, the deductible is manageable, and those on the plan are covered in case of an injury or the need for hospitalization.
The story also details some other health insurance options for new graduates. If these options were around when I was graduating, I didn’t know about them. I’m quite sure my university didn’t offer a plan.
One thing that has changed since the time I graduated is that the job market is much more difficult right now. Chances are good that graduating seniors are having more trouble finding a job, therefore they are going longer without health insurance. That is certainly a concern.
Life without health insurance is always a gamble, so I would urge graduating seniors (or those of you who know graduating seniors) to look into options that would provide insurance coverage in at least emergency situations.
What do you think about new graduates who are without insurance? Is it a rite of passage, or is it a serious problem? Maybe it’s a combination of both? Please share your thoughts.
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