1. Kansas State University
  2. »Division of Communications and Marketing
  3. »K-State Today Student Edition
  4. »How does the Affordable Care Act affect students?

K-State Today Student Edition

November 11, 2013

How does the Affordable Care Act affect students?

Submitted by Pat Melgares

Roberta Riportella, K-State professor of community health, spoke to students recently about how the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, will affect them.

"Young people, too, need health insurance," Riportella said, noting that while students may be healthier overall, many deal with such diseases as asthma since childhood.

Also, according to Riportella:

  • Many students are now on their own and not on their parent's insurance policy.
  • The individual marketplace is expensive.
  • Students and young adults without health insurance are more likely to put their families at risk of bankruptcy. If you have a major health incident, it could hinder your ability to pay back student loans.

"It's a financial issue to walk around without health insurance," Riportella said. "It's playing roulette."

Riportella's full presentation is available online.