Health care debate impacts all, including college students
By Megan Osborn
Recently, junior Elle Hoxworth suddenly came down with excruciating migraines, blurred vision and short -term memory loss. To find the cause of her symptoms, she saw five different specialists: an E.R. doctor, a primary physician, a massage therapist, a naturopathic doctor and a neurologist. She also had to have extensive medical tests, including a broad spectrum of blood work and a CT scan.
"If I didn't have insurance, I probably would have had to drop out of school because I couldn't function," Howorth said. "Insurance allowed me to see all of the doctors just to find the cause of my symptoms."
The health care debate congests the media with robust discourse and outlandish rumors. Aside from the controversies and politics, the outcome of the health care bill will affect today's college students significantly, most experts agree.
Senior Katie Weinmeister, a nursing student, faces the prospect of graduation this spring. She is worried about paying for her own insurance because of persistent medical conditions that require frequent trips to the doctor.
"Luckily my parents have a plan that gives me full coverage now," Weinmeister said. "But I'm terrified at the prospect finding my own insurance.
"I've had six ER trips in the past three years because of my kidney condition and a car accident," she said. "I also have to go to an asthma and allergy specialist every year for a diagnostic test for exam and medication refills."
College students are required to carry health care insurance either through their own plan or a school- subsidized plan. Many students remain on their parents' plan throughout college.
While students remain comfortably-covered, Professor Gary Malecha, chair of the Political Science department urges them to pay attention because, however the health care debate turns out, it will cost them one way or another.
"You may not see it right now," said Malecha, "But this will hit you in your pocket book."
Joanne Warner, dean of the School of Nursing, sees the health care debate as a period of historical significance.
"We are engaged in a debate, similar to civil rights, that says something about our country: how we are willing to care for others," Warner said.
The debate is especially important for nursing students who will see the effects of the political debate in their job every day Warner said.
"Every time they see a patient, there is a policy that said that person needed care," Warner said.
Senior Thai Nguyen, a student who will graduate in the spring agrees that the health care debate is something that students should pay attention to.
"Health care has always been an issue. Finally we have a president who a majority of students voted for that is going to do something about it," Nguyen said.
Nguyen is however, concerned about the financing of the bill proposed by President Obama.
"Hey, it would be great if this works, if $900 billion would be given to you and it wouldn't affect the deficit, that'd be awesome," Nguyen said, "But it doesn't make sense."
Hoxworth can see how some students are oblivious to the debate.
"Right now, we live in a bubble where things don't really matter. No one has really experienced what it's like not to have health care or to have a child and not being able to afford health care for them," she said. "Students are only concerned about what affects them right now."
Graduate student Dana Smothers warns undergraduate students that the outcome of the debate will affect them.
"If undergrads aren't affected, it's only a matter of time," Smothers said.
Graduate students will hold a Health Care Forum on Oct. 2 in Buckley Center to inform students about reform proposals and other health care issues. There will also be time to discuss possible solutions to the problem.
The health care debate will shape the world where students will go out and work in four years or less.
"It's a great time for students to be informed, involved and not be cynical," Warner said.
