TennCare protects the well-being of those seeking higher education

One of our clients is a soon-to-be college graduate studying Cardiorespiratory Care Sciences. She is passionate about caring for others and hopes to work in a hospital as a registered respiratory therapist after graduation, where she would care for vulnerable patients with breathing and cardiopulmonary issues. As a full-time student, she excels academically and is laser-focused on earning her degree.   

After suffering an ectopic pregnancy, our client was approved for Medicaid. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when an embryo attaches outside of the uterus, typically to the fallopian tubes. Ectopic pregnancies can lead to serious complications; therefore, it was vital for our client to have access to quality healthcare. Medical bills add up quickly for anyone, particularly students paying for their studies independently. Having the peace of mind that medical bills are covered allows our client to focus on shaping her future through education. When asked what her life would be like without Medicaid, our client candidly responded, “I’m already worried about paying for school, so worrying about paying for never-ending medical bills would be horrible, especially as a full-time student.”    

The percentage of college students across the country with health insurance has increased about 10% in a decade, from 81% in 2010 to 92% in 2022. However, the number of uninsured college students remains a concern in states where Medicaid has not been expanded, such as Tennessee. Protecting Medicaid is essential to ensuring the well-being of those seeking higher education – to help break cycles of poverty and shape future leaders.