Health Insurance Tips for Recent College Grads

Posted in Health Insurance , Student Health Insurance

May 14th, 2009

Finding employment is hard enough for recent college grads, but securing a job that offers health insurance seems to be downright impossible. At least, that’s what statistics show. According to a 2008 report from Commonwealth Fund, 34% of college grads will spend at least part of the year after graduation uninsured. And a large percentage who are insured are covered through their parents.

This can make life pretty difficult for the recent college grads who land dream jobs but can’t takethem because theydon’t offer health insurance.Iffinding employment that offers coverage seemsimpossible for you, there are still ways to get covered. Here are a few:

• Coverage Until 26. Many recent college grads are unaware that if they are covered by their parent’s policy, by law, some states require continued health insurance coverage until the age of 26. To find out if your state honors this rule, check with your state’s insurance commissioner.
• COBRAmay bean option. If you are covered by a parent who has recently lost coverage, or thecompany boots you from the plan, you may be able to take advantage of additional coverage under the COBRA law.
• Think about buying your own. Sometimes finding employment is successful and well paying, but leaves you without coverage. If this happens, you might consider shopping around for your own. Go Insurance Rates offers free quotes for affordable coverage in your area, so don’t rule this option out. We’ll find you the best health insurance rates available.
• Thinking about going to grad school? If grad school has been an option just as much as finding employment, then you might consider this choice because many companies will continue to cover dependents as long as they are students.

Also, the option of the short-term policy may have crossed your mind. But before agreeing to one of these policies, read all of the fine print so that a rule such as you becoming too expensive to insure won’t get you booted out of the plan prematurely.

Finding employment that comes with coverage may be difficult, but you do have other options for your health insurance. So if you find yourself in the ranks of other recent college grads in search of coverage, it’s good to consider the option that will prevent you fromforgoing needed medical attention because you’re not insured.

Are you a recent college grad? What are your experiences with companies health care plans?