subject: Why Students Need Health Insurance [print this page] The economic recession is making the need for health insurance stronger than ever. Most Americans are aware of the fact that senior citizens need coverage since they experience illnesses more often than younger people. Still, young students need health insurance just as much as anyone else. Without adequate coverage, young people and their families face the risk of financial ruin.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 85 percent of Americans have some form of coverage. The vast majority have health insurance through their jobs. Recent job losses have caused some families to cut back on their health insurance or risk going without it all together. In some cases, parents will try to cut costs by covering themselves but not their children. They do this since children and teens are less likely to develop chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. This is a big mistake.
It is important to keep in mind that children need continuous health care throughout their formative years. They will have to see a physician several times a year from infancy until their teen years. This will include their routine check-ups for vaccinations, and appointments to chart their growth and development. Furthermore, there will be many unexpected trips to the doctor when children are injured in accidents or become ill.
Conditions such as ADHD, asthma, and autism, usually surface when children are very young. Students need health insurance so that they can have access to health care providers who can recognize the early symptoms of developmental delays or learning disabilities. Certain viruses that are left untreated in children can cause permanent disabilities, so a lack of medical coverage can lead to life-long health problems.
College students need health insurance as well. However, many of these young adults often go without it. This is another age group where families often underestimate the need. The reason is because many college students are healthy. Also, some colleges and universities have clinics where students can get treatments for minor injuries and illnesses. Still, students who don't have health insurance will not have coverage for emergency care.
A major accident or injury that requires hospitalization could cause a substantial financial burden for students who don't have health insurance. No student should have to face something like this. Students should have the freedom to spend their college years exploring their educational opportunities and building their futures. They should not be stressed out over a mountain of medical bills or be consumed with worry over the possibility about what could happen because they don't have health insurance.
by: Ethan Kalvin
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