Do most colleges offer good health insurance to students?

For example, I attend to 4 year university which has health insurance packages for students, but they are very expensive and I can't afford. The coverage is up to 100, 000 and deductible $300 and after that 80% coverage. I found out that private individual plans in area near my college for the cost nearly the same offer greater coverage like $1 million and $250 deductible and 100% coverage. I thought that health insurace offered by colleges are cheaper but aren't always.
--------------------
That sounds about like what most schools offer, if they offer anything at all (not all do). Generally, they offer coverage with high deductibles and less than 100% coverage because that makes the premiums cheaper. Most students can't afford better coverage, or else they don't think they need it (when you're young you tend to think you're immortal), so they can't or won't pay for better coverage. If you've found a better plan that you can actually get, and it's comparable in price, then go for it. You lucked out--not everybody can qualify for an individual plan, or afford it.
Source

Many employers offer health insurance now but deduct the full or partial amount from employees checks?

Will that change now that Obama is requiring employers to provide health insurance? Do employers just have to provide access to insurance or pay for insurance? What about deductibles, who pays those and will there be a cap on them?
--------------------
The change is that you used to pay for yourself and your family, and now you will also pay for inner city dwellers.
Source

Is there a way to get cheaper health insurance that's not through your employeer?

I pay $180 a month for health insurance and I think it's absurd. I'm a 24 year old guy and I bet 60 years olds pay just as much.
--------------------
$180 a month IS cheap. Shop around, you'll find out.
Source

Have you seen a TV add about Health Insurance where Pre-existing conditions are okay?

I saw the commercial 2 or 3 time in Los Angeles. I don't remember the channel or the name of the company. It said call for health insurance, low premiums and pre-existing conditions are okay. Anyone see the add and know the name of the company?
--------------------
Yes; however, you need to read the fine print that says this is not insurance, a discount plan only. Don't waste your $ on these type of misleading plans.
Source

How much does it cost to have a new born into your world without health insurance?

How much would it cost to pay for all the bills when having a new born without health insurance?
--------------------
It's super expensive---at least $15,000 for a normal pregnancy and birth. You have to remember that difficulties in pregnancy happen and it can cause this number to dramatically increase also. Get insurance, medicaide, something!
Source

Why would we have to pay a penalty if we refuse to purchase affordable health insurance?

I thought America was the land of the free? Why then, does the government have the right to tell me that I HAVE to purchase health insurance? Just wondering.
--------------------
You know something! These ****asses have already penalized some of us for not taking their Prescription D program! It's just another ploy to make us bend to their wishes!!! They keep talking about this healthcare, but they still haven't told us HOW MUCH is it going to cost us!?? How much for each person, and does the price go up or down according what you earn!????? What about the people who are laid off!? How much do they pay? What about these illegals!? They shouldn't be allowed ANY medical help at all!! Hospitals, doctors, nurses etc! And if any one of them does! THEY are the ones who should be penalized!!! I am sick and tired of someone telling me to HAVE to do this, and I CAN'T do that!!! This is America folks! Why are we letting this happen!?
Source

Can I claim my disabled live in parent on my health insurance as a dependent?

My mother recently moved in with me and I take care of her room/board and all other expenses. She was working but was laid off and now her COBRA is running out. As she is 63 and suffers from a debilitating disease, can she be claimed on my health insurance as my dependent? Thanks.
--------------------
This is a question that we get a lot. The insurance company bases enrollment eligibility on how the year end tax form would read. If your mom is claimed as a dependent on your Taxes then they should allow her to join on your family coverage through COBRA. Now every insurance company is different, and if that fails then many times there is medicaid available or health insurance risk pools available for people that have a hard time getting individual insurance. The biggest fact that you have to figure out is if you can file her as a dependent on a tax document and if so you have a pretty good case. Good luck and if that doesnt work you can email me at j.marvin@integrityriskmgt.com to see where I might recommend looking at alternatives.
Source