Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, all California State University students are eligible for health insurance. On Wednesday, Feb. 19, Associated Students Inc. hosted an event that was sponsored by the CSUB Health Center, Community Health Initiative of Kern County and the CSU Health Insurance Education Project that provided information and assistance with enrollment in the Affordable Care Act.

Chancellor Timothy P. White is featured in a YouTube video to CSU students explaining Covered California and why students should sign up.

“The Affordable Care Act represents a new opportunity for millions of Americans to obtain health care,” said White.

Emily Hernandez, the Outreach Coordinator from the Community Health Initiative of Kern County, said that “Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, there is a huge umbrella of coverage that requires all health plans to cover the 10 essential health benefits.”

The 10 essential health benefits that Covered California covers under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act include: Ambulatory services, emergency services, hospitalization, maternity and newborn care, mental health and substance use disorder services, prescription drugs, rehabilitative and habilitative services, laboratory services, preventative and wellness services and pediatric services including oral and vision care.

The Affordable Care Act changes the affordability of health insurance based on an individual’s income determining what they’re eligible for and their monthly premium.

At least 30 students signed up within the first three hours of the event.

“We’re hoping to double our numbers. That would mean 60 more people that didn’t have health insurance would now be covered,” said Hernandez.

Kalina Flores, a 23-year-old  liberal studies major who signed up for health coverage with the Affordable Care Act said, “I think [the Affordable Care Act] is going to help students because it will help anyone when they have a medical emergency.”

“I want to make sure you and your families, your friends and neighbors know about this opportunity so that you can take advantage and help us get this out to the people who need it the most,” said White.

Hernandez said, “Our young adults are really important and contribute to active health care force. Young adults between the ages of 19-35 are the highest group of uninsured in California.”

This age group is the key reason why CSU students are being targeted to sign up with the Affordable Care Act.

The Covered California website has a shop and compare tool to help Californians to compare prices of different insurance options with information if they qualify for assistance or Medi-cal.

To apply for Covered California under the Affordable Care Act or Medi-cal students and families can apply at www.CoveredCA.com or calling (800) 300-1506.