HB 2851 was the United States House of Representatives’ version of the bill; this bill passed unanimously on July 30, 2008. The sister bill SB 400 is languishing, however, in the Senate. The bill is endorsed by the American Hospital Assn., the National Patient Advocate Foundation, the American Heart Assn., and America’s Health Insurance Plans.
The bill is named for Michelle Morse, a student at Plymouth State University who took chemotherapy treatment for colon cancer. To avoid losing her student insurance, she enrolled in a full course load. The premium to continue her coverage under the COBRA law would have cost over $500 a month, a charge her family could not afford.
What follows is excerpt from MichellesLaw.com about the bill when it was signed into law by Gov. Lynch of New Hampshire.
Joined by the family of Michelle Morse and legislators, Gov. John Lynch today signed "Michelle's Law," helping ensure that college students do not lose their health insurance when they need it most.
The legislation, HB 37, ensures that seriously ill college students can continue to receive health care insurance through their family's health insurance policy even if they are unable to maintain their full-time student status.
"College students should not lose their health insurance just when they need it the most. Now, in New Hampshire, they won't. Michelle's Law will provide an important protection for New Hampshire families," Gov. Lynch said.
Michelle Morse was a student at a Plymouth State University when she was diagnosed with colon cancer. Although her doctor suggested she take a leave of absence from school, Michelle Morse maintained a full course schedule in order to keep her health insurance coverage. Michelle Morse died in November [2005].
Read the background behind this bill at http://www.michelleslaw.com/index.php.
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