At the start of each calendar year, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums reset on health insurance plans. For students relying on insurance to supplement chronic conditions, mental health needs, or unexpected emergencies, this restart can be overwhelming.
“I’m on my parent’s insurance, but I know we plan ahead when it comes to specific prescriptions or conditions,” said Kevin Ly, an in-state first-year CE. “I think I reached my deductible around November or December for the year.”
For in-state students, being a part of Georgia-based insurance often offers specific network-based advantages that come with accessing their plan.
On the other hand, when attending Tech, out-of-state students may face additional health insurance hurdles. Often enough, students pay higher premiums from healthcare based outside of their home states.
Alex Chen, first-year CS, talked to the Technique in an interview about his experience with healthcare plans as an out-of-state student from St. Louis, Mo.
“I think it definitely is a little more expensive, but I really haven’t been able to look too hard into that yet,” Chen said. “I think the worst part is really just my accessibility to healthcare while I’m here.”
Health insurance in the U.S. is notoriously expensive. It follows a mixed health insurance system where public and private practices coexist, unlike the universal healthcare systems used by many other nations.
As a result, students currently without coverage from parents or outside employers may find alternative options difficult to pursue.
On campus, Tech offers a student health insurance plan (SHIP) through UnitedHealthcare. Here, Stamps Health Services can offer primary care, pharmacy services and mental health support that are covered entirely by SHIP rather than at a usual reduced cost. Telehealth services like Teladoc may also be included to provide preventative health consultations.
The plan is most commonly offered to international students who are navigating a completely different healthcare system.
The Office of International Education helps international students understand their plans and ensure their needs are met in the U.S.-based insurance plan. Additionally, student organizations on campus, such as the Student Government Association (SGA), advocate for better support systems and resources.
Whether a student is in-state, out-of-state or even international, the sentiment among many is a common frustration with the difficulty of managing health insurance costs while pursuing a rigorous education.
“It’s a challenge being out-of-state,” Chen said. “There’s always an extra level of stress that comes with having to worry about networks and providers whenever I’m close to being sick.”
“Even though I’m in-state, healthcare is still expensive, and I need to consider this when I want to discuss costs and budgets,” Ly said.
As health insurance costs continue to rise, students look to advocate for better resources and reforms in their plans. Whether by seeking to expand mental health resources on campus or pushing for more affordable health insurance options, students remain adamant about creating solutions.
Nationally, frustrations over growing costs associated with insurance have been high. According to a YoungGov poll, 49 percent of Americans have an unfavorable view of the American health care system. Additionally, the percentage of people who believe that healthcare is a top issue has been on the rise since the election.
As President Donald Trump takes office there has also been discussion of overturning the Affordable Care Act but the future of the act remains unsure.
In the meantime, students have chosen to adapt to best use the resources available on campus. Crisis intervention, primary care and mental health counseling are available around campus to help students with their various concerns.
From the Center for Mental Health Care and Resources to Stamps Health Services to the Women’s Resource Center and even the Georgia Tech Police Department, students can look to find creative ways to take advantage of the resources around them when in need.