Obama's Health Care Bill Hinders ASI From Offering Affordable Health Care to Students

ASI offers many programs to students, including health care which might not be available in the future.

With the passing of Obama’s health care bill, ASI might not be able to provide affordable health care to students and faculty members.

“The new federal laws governing over health insurance create new ‘minimum standards’ that restrict the offering of short-term health insurance plans,” said Christopher Chavez, president of Cal State Students Association. “The health care plans offered by ASI are classified as ‘short term’ plans that can be renewed every year that the student is enrolled in college.”

Even though this will not take effect until 2014, the CSSA is trying to take action to save students money. They are working with the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make sure the health care plans meet minimum care guidelines, and that ASIs continue to offer affordable health care.

“Not having health insurance is a major gamble and often leads to financial disaster, which we feel is unacceptable,” said Chavez.

Cutting health care would impact about 600 students and faculty members who receive health insurance each year at CSULB.

Christina Esparza, ASI communications coordinator believes cutting the program would put several students at financial risk.

“If ASI wasn't providing health-insurance coverage to students, those who are not covered under parents' plan or employers' plan would have to purchase individual policies at a much higher rate,” she said.

Not only will the students be at a financial loss, but so will ASI. According to Esparza, ASI gets a $20 administrative fee for each semester policy sold. Without that money, ASI will not be able to provide inexpensive programs such as health care to students.

Chavez encourages concerned students to take action in this battle for low-cost health care.

“Ultimately, students need to share how either having or not having healthcare affects them,” he said. “They need to convey their stories to ASI and CSSA to make sure we know what the best way to help them is.”