How Do I Get Medicaid Health Insurance For College Students – Healthcare costs in the United States of America are quite high. Recently, a 2023 Federal Reserve report discovered that 23% of US adults face unexpected medical expenses that range between $1000 and $1999 over the past 12 months. Incurring thousands of dollars in medical bills and medical debt may impact your ability to focus on education and attend college. Unfortunately, college students are one of the most underinsured groups of people across the nation.
In some cases there is provision for mandatory health insurance for college students in the USA. While college technical schools and universities provide affordable health plans the plans offer limited coverage.
This is why it is important to explore all the insurance options to make sure you stay healthy while attending school. There are many healthcare options available to you including Medicaid for college students. In this comprehensive guide, we will help you learn more about Medicaid for college students, the eligibility and documentation criteria and the other types of health insurance plans available for you.
Highlights of this Post
Key Takeaways
- Medicaid for college students offers essential benefits including inpatient and outpatient hospital services, laboratory and X-ray services, home health care, and physician services, ensuring a wide range of healthcare needs are met.
- While health insurance costs can average $703 per month for individual plans, Medicaid provides a low-cost alternative for students meeting the eligibility criteria, which includes income levels and residency requirements.
- Students who are independents and not claimed as dependents by their parents, and those with incomes below 130% of the federal poverty level, may qualify for Medicaid.
- Applicants need to provide proof of identity, citizenship or legal residency, income, residency, and college enrollment to apply for Medicaid.
- College students can apply for Medicaid through their state’s agency or via the ACA marketplace, offering a streamlined process that determines eligibility and facilitates enrollment.
How Much Does Medical Insurance Cost For Students In The US?
On average, the cost of a student health insurance plan in America is variable depending on whether your medical plan provides coverage for pre-existing conditions and additional features. A few packages can be as low as $30 per month, whereas a comprehensive premium health insurance plan with low deductibles can cost more than $300 per month.
If you’re wondering how much medical insurance costs per month in the USA, then you would be amazed to know that for employer-sponsored individual coverage, the average cost is $703 per month. For individual healthcare plans in the health insurance marketplace, the average monthly premium is nearly $477.
Our next guide will help you learn how to get a free fitbit through Medicaid.
How Does The Medicaid Coverage For College Students Work?
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that offers healthcare assistance for low-income families and individuals, elderly people, pregnant women, those with disabilities and even college students. There are 18 million people pursuing higher education in the US. If you are an uninsured student belonging to the low income category you can qualify for Medicaid coverage. A few states have expanded Medicaid coverage to include adults who fall below a specific income level. To determine whether you can meet the eligibility criteria, you need to check with your specific state agency. The program provides coverage to those who fulfill income and family size criteria specific to their state.
You can apply through your state Medicaid agency or the ACA marketplace. The Medicaid plans provide mandatory as well as optional benefits that cover most of your health needs. If you can meet the income criteria then you can qualify for Medicaid while you’re pursuing college studies.
Want to know how to get a free YMCA membership with medicaid? Read our next guide here.
What Does Medicaid Insurance For College Students Cover?
Every state manages its own Medicaid programs, including the benefits, coverage details and eligibility criteria. The programs may vary and differ between the type, amount, scope and duration of services you get.
There are specific mandatory benefits that every state Medicaid provision has to offer to its residents while others are optional. Following are the mandatory benefits under the Medicaid program that college students are entitled to receive.
- Inpatient hospital services
- Outpatient hospital services
- Home Health
- Laboratory and X-ray services
- Physician services
Following are the additional benefits that your state Medicaid provision may provide:
- Physical therapy
- Prescription drug coverage
- Occupational therapy
- Case management.
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What Are The Eligibility Criteria To Get Medicaid For College Students?
It is important to note that you need to meet certain eligibility criteria for the Medicaid program such as the following:
- If no one can claim you as dependent and you’re living on your own then you can qualify for free health insurance through Medicaid.
- The program is reserved for low-income individuals who cannot afford to buy health insurance on their own. A lot of college students who either don’t work or work part-time fall into this category.
- If you’re living with your parents, it is unlikely that you will be eligible for Medicaid. If you want to be eligible for Medicaid make sure your parents do not claim you as a dependent on their tax return. You need to file income taxes on your own to qualify for Medicaid coverage.
- You need to be a resident of this state from where you are receiving Medicaid benefits. If you move to another state to attend college it may complicate the application process and coverage details.
- Students with spouses and/ or children can cover their family members under the Medicaid program even if they have their insurance somewhere else.
- You need to fulfill the income eligibility criteria of your state’s Medicaid program. Your income should be below 130% of the federal poverty level to qualify.
What Is The Paperwork Required To Get Medicaid For College Students?
The specific paperwork required to get coverage for health insurance for college students with no income may vary, however, following other common requirements:
- Proof of identity such as a government-issued ID, passport or driver’s license
- Social Security numbers for students and their household members
- Proof of citizenship or legal residency in the form of birth certificate, immigration documents or passport
- Any existing medical records or information about your present health condition (if applicable)
- Proof of income in the form of recent pay stubs, letters from employer or tax returns
- Proof of residency in the form of lease agreements, documents showing your address or utility bills
- Proof of financial aid that you’re receiving through government grants or scholarships.
- Proof of college enrollment like enrollment letter.
Head over to our next guide to know how to get free braces with Medicaid.
How To Apply For Medicaid For College Students?
- If you want to fill out an application to be eligible for Medicaid student health insurance, you need to turn to the Health Insurance Marketplace website.
- Create an account so that you can be redirected to the application process. Once you apply for the program, the federal marketplace will send you details to your state agency, which will contact you further about enrollment.
- Once you apply, you will learn whether or not you can qualify for an individual insurance plan. In most cases, you can find an affordable plan that covers all your health needs. You can also apply through your state Medicaid agency near you.
What Are The Other Health Insurance Options For College Students?
Besides Medicaid, there are many other ways through which you can get insurance coverage, such as the following:
1. Health Insurance For Students Under 26
Young adults who are considered dependent can stay on their parent’s health insurance plan until they turn 26 years. This will apply if their parents have insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace or job-based insurance. Free health insurance for students under 26 will work best if you go to school and live in the same state as your parents.
In case you’re living in a different state you must check with the plans provider network and see if you can access care while living and going to school. The overall cost to add a dependent under 26 years of age to a parent’s plan is less compared to the cost of a separate plan.
A few states will allow you to remain on your guardian’s insurance until you turn 30 or 31 years old. Health insurance for students over 26 is possible through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
2. Affordable Care Act
Around 2.5% of students are relying on self-bought health insurance plans as per reports of ACA. Students who can prove they are citizens of the US or legal immigrants can apply for health insurance through the ACA marketplace. Every ACA plan is comprehensive so you can cover the following:
- Essential health benefits including emergency services, substance abuse, mental health disorder services etc.
- The existing conditions that are covered under ACA plans including pregnancy, diabetes and cancer
- Preventive services that include in-network services, wellness exams, and vaccinations.
College students can purchase coverage during Open Enrollment each year, which ends in mid-January. In case you missed the deadline you can apply it through a Special Enrollment period that requires any one of the following qualifying life event:
- Change in a household like getting married, losing coverage due to separation or divorce
- Change in residence moving to or from the place where you attended school
- If you are anyone in your household lost coverage at least 60 days ago or expect to lose coverage in the next 60 days for different reasons such as not being eligible for an insurance plan
Those who are under 30 can also qualify for Catastrophic Health Plans under the Affordable Care Act. The premiums for such plans are low; however, the deductibles can be very high. The deductible for catastrophic plans is $9450 in 2024. People who are 30 and above can qualify for easy catastrophic coverage with affordability or hardship exemption.
3. Other Government Health Insurance Programs
Health insurance coverage for nearly 10% of college students comes from public or government health sources such as the following.
- Medicare: Medicare is a federal health insurance program designed for those 65 and older and younger people who are living with particular physical disabilities.The program also covers people who are less than 65 and living with qualifying conditions or certain disabilities.
- Children’s Health Insurance Program: The Children’s Health Insurance Program is a health insurance coverage for those who are below 19 years of age.
- Veterans Affairs: The Department of Veterans Affairs offers healthcare assistance for retired former members serving the U.S. military.
Note: The Medicaid program may work for a few students. However, most of the program may present challenges for switching primary care providers as well as plans if you want to move to attend school.
4. Sign Up For Student Health Insurance Plan
If your college provides a SHIP/ Student Health Insurance Plan that is fully insured you can cover the similar health benefits as Affordable Care Act plans.
It is important to note that a self-insured plan will not comply with the ACA and may provide different coverage, so you must check which type of plan your college provides.
A few college students buy student health insurance plans. If the plan is optional at your educational institution you must compare the cost and coverage with ACA plans in the state where you’re attending school.
5. Insurance Through Spouse
If you’re in a domestic partnership or married, you can qualify for medical insurance through your spouse or partner’s health plan. For instance, if your spouse or partner has an ACA marketplace plan or employer-based insurance, you can get coverage. A few employer-based health plans do not cover if you are in a domestic partnership.
6. Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance Plan
Working students or those who are more than 26 and can’t be on their parent’s plan can get coverage for employer-sponsored health insurance plans.
Students who work full-time while going to school get health plans through their employers. If you have left your full-time job to attend college, then you can enroll in COBRA. But this option can be a bit costly, provide you temporary coverage, and be limited in availability.
7. Enrolling In University Health Plan
A lot of universities and colleges require candidates to have health coverage to attend schools and so they have their student health insurance programs. Campus health insurance costs somewhere $2000-$4000 per academic year as per The New York Times. Student health plans male up to 3 million individuals in America as per CMS.
A lot of these student health plans comply with the Affordable Care Act to make sure students get basic insurance coverage. The plans are limited to those who fulfill the age requirements and are enrolled as students.
Will There Be Tax Penalties If A College Student Doesn’t Have Health Insurance?
Earlier, the Affordable Care Act included a nationwide individual mandate that requires individuals, including college students, to have health insurance. First, Congress voted to remove this requirement in 2017. Even though there is no longer a federal rule, a few states still have healthcare coverage mandates for a few individuals and households.
Following are the states that mandates healthcare and may carry penalties for college students who don’t have health insurance:
- California
- District Of Columbia
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey
- Rhode Island.
Vermont and Maryland are the jurisdictions that require residents to provide details about their health insurance status but do not impose any penalties.
List Of Best Private Health Insurance Companies For College Students
Navigating the complex world of health insurance may seem daunting, particularly for college students who are not qualified for the Medicaid program. To simplify the process we have researched the following affordable and best health insurance for college students.
Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is one of the best overall insurance companies for college students that is available in each U.S. state and Washington, DC. Members get coverage for emergency and urgent care and a wide range of health and wellness resources such as telemedicine services and online tools.
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield is available in 50 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, with different variations based on the type of plan you are choosing. It provides a wide range of health insurance plans that make it easy for many college students to find coverage that meets their health needs. This includes prescription drug coverage, emergency services and preventive care.
Aetna
Aetna is one of the best choices for college students who need urgent care services. The coverage is available in all 50 U.S. states and Washington DC. The plans include prescription drug coverage, telemedicine services and emergency care. The company provides a wide range of wellness programs and resources like fitness discounts and health coaching.
How To Choose A Plan For Healthcare Coverage In College?
Choosing a health insurance option is important if you’re already accepted for a school. Following is the list of ways to consider the best plan for coverage in college.
- Portability. Does your health care plan move with you as you work, travel, or study abroad and when you return home?
- Medication. Can you get your prescription by mail order or if there is access to a local pharmacy?
- In Network Care. Are there options for urgent care centers, specialist providers, and hospitals near your college?
- Primary Care. Do you have access to a primary care physician who is covered where you are attending college for most of the year?
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are heading for college and in need of health insurance, then Medicaid for college students will be a viable choice depending on various factors. This is an affordable health coverage program that will protect you throughout your college years until you secure insurance through an employer. A lot of colleges and institutions provide student health plans at affordable prices. College students who are below 26 years old can also get coverage under their parent’s health plan. Depending on your age, income or circumstances, you can find health insurance through Medicaid, ACA marketplace, your spouse’s health plan or Medicare. With a bit of research, planning, and contacting your state’s Medicaid agency, you can get the level of medical coverage that you need.
Get More about Medicaid Guide From our blog at Get Government Grants to avail free resources and government programs for low-income families. Our guide has numerous supportive programs and names of organizations that help people in times of need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can College Students Get Medicaid in Florida?
While applying for a marketplace plan as a college student living in Florida, you will be automatically notified if you qualify for the state Medicaid or CHIP program.
Can College Students Get Cheaper Insurance?
Yes, you can obtain cheap health insurance for students. A lot of health insurance providers provide unique plans designed for students with lower deductibles and premiums.
How To Get Health Insurance For College Students In Georgia?
The University System of Georgia offers eligible college students an affordable and comprehensive student health insurance program. You can also qualify for Medicaid if you fulfill the eligibility criteria.
Do Students Get Health Insurance in the USA?
Most schools, colleges, and universities in the USA provide Student Health Plans that help you get basic insurance coverage. You can also qualify for other government and state-sponsored health insurance plans.
Can International Students Get Medicaid in the USA?
No international students are eligible for Medicaid due to visa and residency restrictions. Qualified non-citizens have a five-year waiting period to get Medicaid or CHIP coverage.
