In May, college students across the country will be walking across a stage that will lead them into a world of risk and uncertainty. Our country is going through tough economic times and these new graduates are having a rough time finding employment. Many students resort to limited employment with limited benefits. An even greater risk for many students will leave them without health insurance. A standard policy for health insurance carriers enables them to drop coverage for dependents once they reach a certain age. In the case of college students, they can lose their student health insurance coverage immediately after graduation. This comes at an extremely unstable time in these young peoples lives.

            There have been many cases of young and uninsured people suffering from illnesses or accidents who have limited funds to cover their bills. There are other options for these young people though. If they cannot the costs of they’re healthcare, they can extend their health insurance through a COBRA plan. COBRA plans extend coverage after they are no longer considered a dependent. For example, students who graduate from college and then immediately pursue graduate school are no longer considered eligible for their parent’s health insurance coverage. These individuals can only gain coverage through their own health insurance policy or through their parent’s coverage on a COBRA Plan.