Many college students are without health coverage. Some may not be able to afford that monthly premium and decide to be without health coverage. It can become very expensive in the long run.

Health insurance companies demand that college students are enrolled as full-time students in order to continue through their parent’s coverage. But being full-time student may be hard for some to maintain.

There are some alternatives for FCC students. Your health fee provides emergency coverage if you were hurt during school or at a school-sponsored activity. There is a $50.00 deductable.

There are many students who aren’t aware of student health services on campus. Gabriel Martinez, 19, has been without coverage for two months. His parent’s insurance disenrolled him at 19 years old.

“I try not to get sick,” said Martinez, “I didn’t know about the student health services.” Like Martinez, many students have no idea about this option on campus. Martinez said that he’s been ill since he’s been without health coverage. “I just had to stay home,” he added.

The Student Health Services is staffed trained nurses who can guide you into some alternatives when you become ill. The Student Health Services can provide over-the-counter medications.  The nurses don’t diagnose students they only advise the student. “We’re not doctors, we can’t say ‘yes you have strep throat,’” said Jennifer Brennan, R.N., M.S.N.

“We do a lot of health education,” said Brennan. “We stress good hand washing, social distances, if you are sick, stay home.” They help students make decision on their health

The nurses discuss with student what lead to the illness, and provide some alternatives.  The students will then make their own decision as far as seeking a doctor. Visiting a doctor’s office can it can become expensive.

Most private doctors charge between $100-150. This can be out of the budget of a college student. That’s why it’s important to stay healthy and prevent many preventable illnesses, said Brennan.

Sometimes students come with a high fever on a test day, said Mary Smith, R.N., M.S.N., F.N.P “We can’t do much but to send them home, Smith added. “Students will not do any good being at school in those conditions.”

There are also programs that help individuals without health coverage.  Tzu Chi Medical Outreach- Fresno is coming to town with professional doctors on April 14 from 9 a.m. ending 3 at Mosqueda Center 4670 E Butler AVE.  Fresno, Ca 93702

Tzu Chi will provide medical care, pediatrics, dental, acupuncture, blood pressure and blood sugar testing, even free haircuts.  Tzu Chi is a free clinic for low income and no insurance families.

If you have a medial question in the middle of the night and aren’t sure if you need immediate assistance, www.fresnoitycollege.edu/healthservice  may have the medical answer you are looking for.

There are also programs that may help you through medical insurances. If you are a parent and fit the income ranges. You may qualify for free “Medi-CAL” which is an insurance that covers any medical expenses. You can contact them at (559) 600-1377

Also if you are an unmarried person and need medical assistant you may qualify for “MISP” another form of health insurance that will pay any medical expenses. This insurance is through the County of Fresno. The applicant can be married or single, with or with children. To apply the applicant must be 21-65 years old. For further information you may contact, Community Regional Medical Center at, (559) 459-3848