By Remy McCool/reporter

NE student Daniel Cutter came to campus Nov. 15 to get more information about enrolling in the health insurance marketplace.

Dozens of students took advantage of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services representatives who were present on each TCC campus Nov. 14-15. Representatives were available to provide students with information and assist them in signing up for an insurance plan.

“It’s always better to have someone on site,” said student Darlene Saulsberry.

Cutter had previously created an account with the health insurance marketplace but said he could not find some information online.

Having quit his job recently to focus on school, Cutter does not currently have health insurance. Although insurance is available to him through his wife’s job, it is rather expensive per month. As he does not often visit the doctor, and for minor illnesses when he does, it simply was not worth the high insurance premium it would cost.

“We have some of the best health care in the world if you can afford it,” he said.

Cutter mentioned he had needed a CT scan. “Not having insurance, it cost $600 out of pocket,” he said.

Although $600 is a lot of money, the cost of being added to his wife’s insurance plan would be close to $400 per month. Therefore, it was ultimately cheaper to pay the one-time $600. 

However, that single CT scan can lead to additional and follow-up appointments that could potentially be pricey as well.

Cutter said that’s the reason health insurance through the marketplace will be beneficial to him.

Lusheia Addison, CMS field enrollment agent, said many students had anticipated not being able to get or afford health insurance. She said, however, that whether students have no income, work only part time or are international students, they may qualify for several exemptions that will allow them to afford health insurance.

“International students think they can’t get insurance through the marketplace,” she said.

However, if they possess the required legal documentation, they will qualify for health insurance as will their children.

Cutter has found that through the marketplace he can get health insurance at a more reasonable cost.

“I will most likely sign up for a plan for myself,” he said.

Lisa McAdams, CMS medical officer, reminded students that to receive the tax credit, they must sign up through the marketplace. She also emphasized the importance of being enrolled on time.

“If they want insurance by Jan. 1, they need to be enrolled by Dec. 15,” she said.