Foster Kids and Health Insurance Challenges

There is ongoing controversy regarding whether or not a universal health care plan would be the best option for the American economy. I came across an article from CNN.com entitled, "Foster kids face loss of health coverage at 18". The article presented another issue effected by a new health care reform bill, but this specific issue is unique and not a typical controversy in the health care debate. The issue revolves around foster kids; foster kids will lose their health insurance covered by the state once they turn 18.

The article focuses on Jourdane Hamilton, an 18-year-old from Rockville, Maryland, who has been in the foster care system for over two years. Jourdane plans to attend Montgomery College on a football scholarship. However, he is worried that he will not be able to play football because he will not be insured, ""Football is very physical. In every single play you have to make sure you're protecting yourself because the game is ruthless and there is a high possibility of getting hurt," said Hamilton. "If I didn't have health care coverage I don't think I would be able to put myself in high-risk situations." If Jourdane can not afford health insurance, than he will not play football, which in turn, will eliminate the possibility of him going to college since that will just be another expense he will have to pay for. If Jourdane does take the risk and play football without health insurance in order for him to continue on with his college education, he claims his academics will suffer. Jourdane believes if he plays without health insurance he, "won't be able to fully focus on his classes because he would be worried about getting hurt and paying for his basic needs."

Hamilton said that if he lost his coverage and was responsible for paying for his own plan, he would not be able to afford private insurance. "I would have to wait until Congress passes a universal health care bill," said Hamilton. "I hope this happens soon."

How should the government approach situations like Jourdane's when developing the new health care reform bill. Is it appropriate for the government to cut off foster kids' insurance at the age of 18? Should the government cover foster children beyond the age of 18 and if so, where will they find the resources to do so?