Insurance and the non-traditional student

THE INSURANCE CRISIS
Everyone knows about the insurance crisis. We have a lot of people here in the U.S. who don't have insurance. Non-traditional students used to be able to rely on cheap, affordable student insurance that was offered at college and universities nationwide. Costs have escalated. Now, some colleges have cancelled their coverage and students are now forced to get private insurance.

AFFORDING SCHOOL
Of course, students can just add this cost to their loans... but it adds up fast. Some non-traditional students (who are not covered on their parents' policies, of course) must opt to skip coverage.

A NEW DEVELOPMENT
The July/August 07 issue of the AARP Magazine mentions an insurance plan that they are working on getting for January of 08. (From the article): "As of January 1, 2008, AARP will expand its existing relationship with United Health Group... (and) Aetna to offer an array of health products and servvices, including a health care plan for those ages 50 through 64, many of whom are underinsured and 7 million of whom have no health insurance at all."

This is great news. I know I will be looking to find out more about this plan.

SOMEBODY NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING!
And I hope that whoever is elected to be President next will look into this problem, and the rising cost of higher education as well. Non-traditional students don't want to be paying off their loans for the rest of their lives! Besides, all kinds of job sectors need the experience and wisdom of non-traditional students and graduates.

For more information, the AARP article says to log on to http://www.aarp.org. You will find a lot of good information here, and action plans for many issues of interest to many non-traditional students, too.

You can find out more about the AARP health plans here:
http://www.aarp.org/health/