OBAMACARE AND STUDENTS
By Christina Fazio
Comment Staff
Over the past two weeks, we have been bombarded with news and controversy revolving the government’s recent shut down, Obamacare and the Affordable Care Act. Many have taken their stance on either side of the fence, while others remain baffled by all of the political nonsense.
Everyone has their own say on the matter, which is protected by our Constitution which thankfully hasn’t shut down. However, many are uninformed of the many benefits Obamacare has proposed for today’s young adult population.
First things first, if you haven’t already been informed, Obamacare and the Affordable Care Act are the exact same plan, just different terminology. With having said that, educate yourself on the benefits it has to offer you.
Before the Affordable Care Act has gone into place, women have been victims of inequality and sexism taking place in the health insurance market for far too long. Up until now, health insurance companies have been charging women significantly higher costing premiums in comparison to men.
It’s undoubtedly unjust to charge women more money for health insurance, just because of anatomical differences. Thanks to Obamacare, us women are protected in which we will no longer be unfairly charged.
Another noteworthy highlight of the Affordable Care Act, is the idea that health insurances will no longer be able to discriminate against those who have pre-existing medical conditions. The act also requires health insurance to cover costs related to medical conditions present before initiation of their health insurance plan.
According to HealthCare.gov, starting in 2014, health insurance companies are required to provide essential health benefits, which fall amongst 10 categories including, “ambulatory patient services, emergency services, hospitalization, maternity and newborn care, mental health and substance use disorder services, including behavioral health treatment, prescription drugs, rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices, laboratory services, preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management, and pediatric services, including oral and vision care.”
We are the individuals who rationalize their reason for not being concerned with health insurance because we are young, and supposed to be healthy. In reality, our student body is a collective population of risk takers, travelers, athletes and all come from diverse medical backgrounds.
Obamacare has taken these factors into consideration and has viewed the population of those ranging in 21 years of age to 26, as the ones most likely to need medical services in comparison to those under the age of 21. Most students were booted from their health insurance upon turning 19, and are often unable to obtain health insurance through their employer’s because of seasonal and part time policies.
The Affordable Care Act offers solutions to these obstacles, in which students can now remain covered under their parent’s health insurance up until the age of 26. Thanks, Obama.
Christina Fazio is a Comment opinion writer. Email her at cfazio@student.bridgew.edu.
