Healthcare for College Students

Answer 1

The average American student remains covered on their parent's insurance until the age of 24. In cases where coverage is not available, knowledge of alternative healthcare options is vital. There are a few sufficient options to keep you healthy until you are off on your and onto your own insurance plan.

Health Fairs

At least once a year you can find a health fare either on campus or at a location not far away for your annual checkup needs. An agency or group usually organizes these events with a specific cause of prevention and care, i.e. Diabetes screening, heart health screening, or promotion of healthy living. Booths are set up to handle issues that attendees wish to be addressed that they simply have not had the time to do so in the past or they lacked the resources for some reason or another to do so. These health fairs are a good opportunity for you to be checked without needing an appointment and collecting any co-pay charges. Listen to radio announcements, call hospitals in the area, or contact medical groups that deal with patients that have the disease, symptoms, or issue that you are needing taken care of. To get the most out of the day, take advantage of all of the screenings offered, not only the ones you initially came in to get, as you will likely find multiple clinics there. Pick up all of the freebies that you can while you are out. They are always great to have.

Local Health Unit

County health units were set up for people with limited incomes and resources, a sect that definitely includes college students. Birth Control, HIV/AIDS and STI testing, annual check-ups, immunizations, and nutrition services are free to low cost here. Simply bring in your latest income and health insurance information (to have evaluated to determine what you can actually pay for). Do not worry about getting turned away because you or your parents make too much, the services at a health unit are sponsored by the state meaning everyone qualifies to be seen. Remember, there is one in each county. Look up one the next time you have a concern, they may be able to help you out without having to go into the office of your primary care physician.

Student Health Services

Before you go off campus to see a healthcare professional, stop by the student health services office on your campus. As a part of your room & board, you are covered for medical care here. Make an appointment and go on. If the problem is major, you will receive reference to someone who can better help you but again, many times such an office can handle as much as a health unit without the need for transportation to get there.

When your concerns are mounting or your condition has worsened to the emergency level, skip through all of these options and go in to a doctor's office or straight to the ER. Inability to pay should never cause you to put your life in danger. If nothing else, each place will bill you later and at least you will have the peace of mind and care that you need. If a bill is incurred, do not be afraid to set up a payment arrangement that you can comfortably afford to stick to.