University weighs in on Obamacare

By Rohan Jani/Contributing Writer

 The United States Department of Health and Human Services has recognized over 3 million Americans that have successfully enrolled in health insurance plans under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

The same article estimates that  4.3 million more citizens enrolled by the end of January, amidst growing waves of distress against President Obama’s administration for its tough transition over the past several months.

Obamacare is intended to close large gaps in health insurance for U.S. families and it doubles as a compulsory insurance asset for college students who require medical assistance.

With the rise in costs of health coverage, some students are concerned with how to carry insurance even before graduation arrives.

The young and healthy members of this country currently reside in universities and institutions where money has constantly been a priority as well. Medical indemnity impacts college education by forcing everyone to carry health insurance either by provision of employers or through buy-ins sponsored by national health markets or market exchanges.

 While The Washington Post illustrates that Obamacare attracted 2 million customers during December of 2013, the actual enrollment data for January seems to be much higher than the actual ratio, giving the Obama administration some complications in the hunt for the best place to garner attention — that being college campuses.

Parita Alwani, a junior majoring in psychology, analyzed these statistics and assessed that Obamacare “will definitely have a higher percentage of insured Americans than there were under the previous health insurance system.”

Alwani said this is a good and bad thing.

“More people will be insured because of the affordability, but it’s bad because you’re forcing everyone to purchase health insurance under the new health care act,” Alwani said. “It diminishes their freedom entirely. Some families can’t afford health care and some don’t even want it.”

“More people will be insured because of the affordability, but it’s bad because you’re forcing everyone to purchase health insurance under the new health care act,” Alwani said. “It diminishes their freedom entirely. Some families can’t afford health care and some don’t even want it.”

Alwani expressed interest in the idea that not everyone can be denied insurance based on the nature of their medical finances, and believes that it is their right to acquire proper health insurance.

 Erin Berry, a sophomore studying international relations, compared the scenario to a see-saw — giving one end leverage over the other.

“I feel like Obamacare is very strong, but nevertheless people need to learn to see the other side of the story, even if it seems so beneficial and can run successfully,” Berry said. “We need to observe both sides of the coin: how it potentially affects student health by providing ways to save lives, but also causes a detrimental impact on families saving up funds for child education.”

Some students fear Obamacare entirely and think it doesn’t match up well with what should be focused more on — from increased fees charged to students residing in dorms to the revamping of the dining hall.

Christmyrr Maurice, a sophomore studying biology, dislikes Obamacare, as he feels that it is a “plan that is going to ruin people’s lives, especially those of doctors.”

“It provides absolutely no benefits to anyone and needs some reevaluation,” Maurice said.

In today’s world of policymaking, the Obama administration faces serious backlash from oppositional groups who are impatient with the way Obama is handling health insurance and want him to reform his methods.

For others, like sophomore majoring in international relations Vanessa Kurrle, Obamacare is “eBay for insurance.”

Kurrle said while the implications of Obamacare can be examined, it cannot be criticized until there is a noticeable trend, whether positive or negative.

[pullquote]“Obamacare is greatly misinterpreted. How can you judge a plan of action when you don’t even give it time to develop?” Koorathota said.[/pullquote]

 Sachin Koorathora, a sophomore in information technology, carried the same perspective and argued that the Republican agenda could be at fault.

“Obamacare is greatly misinterpreted. How can you judge a plan of action when you don’t even give it time to develop?” Koorathota said.

Jose Gabilondo, an associate professor at the College of Law, said it’s based on welfare of the state.

“It is a very complicated legislation and we can’t determine the implications,” he said.

 Gabilondo sees Obamacare from the philosophical point of view, in which he examines the ongoing conflict between Democrats and Republicans as a “civil war on health insurance.”

“The plan has gotten attention for individual mandates for buying insurance. It gives states the option of expanding coverage for poor people, and if you extend medical coverage the federal government pays more on its behalf,” Gabilondo said.

-news@fiusm.com