Congress is not a hot topic for discussion on a Saturday night, but one monumental piece of legislation could be cause for debate.
Many Baker students will see direct affects on their loans and insurance as a result of the health care reform bill passed into law March 21.
“To be completely honest, I’m at a point where I don’t have any idea how it will affect me,” senior Ron Atkinson said. “I haven’t seen a lot for folks like us who aren’t established.”
But the bill included legislation related to federal loans, in addition to changes in insurance standards, which can directly affect college students.
“Right now, the government pays for bank services on loans,” senior Kendra Hanson said. “Now, the loans won’t go through a bank. It’s kind of like taking out the middle man.”
This restructuring allows the federal government to save money used for paying banks in order to collect loan fees, which saves taxpayer dollars.<br/>"There is a $16-17 billon shortfall on the Pell Grant program," Bruce Anderson, associate professor of political science, said. "With more students going to school than ever before, this is a way to make up the shortfall.""There is a $16-17 billon shortfall on the Pell Grant program," Bruce Anderson, associate professor of political science, said. "With more students going to school than ever before, this is a way to make up the shortfall."
“There is a $16-17 billon shortfall on the Pell Grant program,” Bruce Anderson, associate professor of political science, said. “With more students going to school than ever before, this is a way to make up the shortfall.”
Federal loans are not the only aspect getting a makeover. Insurance companies are now required to allow students up to the age of 26 to remain on their parent’s health insurance.
“I can now stay on my parents’ insurance longer while I’m in school,” Hanson said. “Now I don’t have to find my own.”
Although some students will reap the benefits of these changes, others may not be as affected.
“The effects depend on where students fall after they graduate and where they enter the system,” Anderson said. “Some graduates may get health care provided by the employer, but students should be sure to get what they are entitled to.”
Whether students feel the bill is relevant to them or not, being educated on the issue is always beneficial.
“If students think they aren’t affected, they are not up on current events,” Atkinson said. “One way or another, they need to research it. Either read the news or search on the Internet before assessing if it affects you or not.”