Oracle Online

The United States is currently the only industrialized nation without universal health care, which means many people go without health insurance coverage. There are, however, programs available for those who meet certain financial requirements. In Minnesota, the program that provides coverage for people who are uninsured and in need of assistance is MinnesotaCare.

Some people are denied health insurance when they try to obtain it individually. Bester said that people with “pre-existing conditions,” such as chronic illnesses, are the most likely to get denied. Pre-existing conditions consist of any ailments a person has or has had at the time they apply for health insurance, such as diabetes or asthma, among numerous others.

The insurance plan provided by the university covers these conditions after a year, and students are covered until August after they graduate. Bester stands by Hamline’s health insurance. She said it is a good plan that offers students many things other college plans do not, such as contraceptives. However, she also said the plan is not perfect and could use work in some areas.

One of Bester’s tasks, along with administrators and other staff members, is to look over the plan offered by Hamline each year and figure out which changes need to be made, working off of student concerns. She also has to decide which “plan will work the best for the most number students.” A great thing about the university’s plan is that you cannot be denied coverage because it is a group policy, much like policies provided by employers.

Bester said the group plans that colleges and employers offer distribute the financial burden more equally and allow everyone to have the same coverage. In some situations the college or employer will offer choices for which options of health insurance are appropriate for each individual’s specific needs.

Bester had some words of advice for anyone who has or will find themselves without health insurance coverage. First, students who are still covered should “get things done before you lose the policy.” She suggested filling prescriptions, having a physical, and getting any other check-ups you need, especially for women.

The next, she said students should “not let their coverage lapse.” This means students should get new health insurance coverage before losing old coverage. Bester suggests students start making calls as soon as possible.
If students will be looking for individual health insurance coverage, there are several companies to call and get rates from. The main companies in Minnesota are BlueCross BlueShield, Health Partners, Medica, and the Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association. It’s also a good idea to find out about different employers’ plans.

If students’ previous insurance, be it Hamline’s or another insurance company, has not lapsed, they will not be denied based on pre-existing conditions. However, if they have already lost their insurance coverage the same options are available, although, they could be denied health coverage.
Bester said there are several ways to receive care without insurance, although she still encourages students to get coverage. St. Mary’s Health Clinic provides care to uninsured people from different facilities throughout the Twin Cities. Students can find out where they will be providing care on certain days by calling 651-690-7029.

There are also the Minute Clinics located in CVS, Cub Foods, and Target stores around the Twin Cities. The Minute Clinics accept patients with and without insurance and have flat fees for services that are posted at the locations and on their website at http://www.minuteclinic.com.

In the following weeks look for more on graduated students, employers, universal health care, and insurance companies.