How much do two years at community college cost?

Advice for health insurance please? (community college student with low-paying part-time job)?

• I haven't had health insurance since I turned 18 and no longer qualified for my family's health insurance plan. I wasn't really concerned at the time, but now that its been a few years (I am almost 21 now), I am in need of dental care. My problem is that I don't know what my health insurance options currently are. I am a college student, although my community college does not offer any health plans for students. I do have a part time job at a daycare that offers health insurance, however its price is far too high for my income. The insurance company is Aetna, and would cost me $16.92 for the lowest medical option, plus $4.61 for dental. So that would cost me $21.53 weekly, which doesn't sound too bad, except I only earn about $120 every two weeks....reducing my paychecks to about only $76 every two weeks....which just isn't enough for me to live on considering that I pay for my own food and everything else needed. So.... does anyone know of health insurance companies that have options for community college students like me? I know state insurance may be an option, but I have a feeling I don't qualify for that since I'm not legally an independent, yet I can't afford to move out and become independent. See the nasty cycle now? lol. And no, earning more money and finding a better paying job is not an option for me at this time. I can't transfer to a college that does offer health insurance for another two years either.. If anyone can give me advice, I'd be very grateful. Thank you in advance =)

• Answer:

  First, I would double-check to make sure that you don’t actually qualify to stay on your parents’ health insurance policy. The health reform law now allows adult children under age 26 to stay on their parents’ plans. It doesn’t matter if you’re enrolled full-time in school, or even if you’re married. So check into that – but keep in mind that your parents may not be able to add you back onto their plan until open enrollment, which only happens once per year. In the meantime, you may have some options. The plan you mentioned (is this the one available through your employer?) sounds like a relatively affordable choice, just make sure it really covers the benefits you need and that you could pay the deductibles in case of a serious illness or injury. If you really can’t afford it, however, then that’s a problem. You might ask if your parents are willing to help you cover the premiums for a little while. Alternately, you can check into your other options by working through a licensed agent online or in your area. You can get quotes for health and dental insurance plans based on your age and gender and see which options might fit. It doesn’t cost anything extra to work with an agent and it can save you time and hassle. If you’re interested, we published a health insurance buyer’s guide for students online and you can download the PDF version here: http://www.ehealthinsurance.com/student-health-insurance/resources/buyers-guide/student.pdf You should also look into your government-sponsored options. I’d recommend contacting the non-profit Foundation for Health Coverage Education at coverageforall.org. They can help you understand what programs are available in your state, and which ones you may qualify for. Good luck.