A federal law passed Oct. 9 allows college students with serious medical conditions to benefit from a one-year leave without losing their current health insurance plan.
Michelle's Law addresses past health insurance issues students have dealt with. College students will no longer have to be enrolled in classes full time to keep their coverage under their parent's current health insurance plan, according to the Michelle's Law website.
"I have Parkinson's Disease, which causes me to be hospitalized a lot," said biology major Janice Lowry, 26. "I can't be a full-time student with this condition."
Michelle Morse, a 22-year-old New Hampshire student, was the driving force behind Michelle's Law.
Morse became diagnosed with colon cancer during her studies at Plymouth State University.
During that time, her physician recommended Morse to take a one-year leave from college to undergo therapy. But, if Morse had taken a year off, she would've lost her health insurance.
Instead of the one-year leave, Morse chose to stay in school and undergo therapy. Today, students like Lowry can take a one-year leave and not worry about nullified insurance.
"I am pleased that no other family or college student will have to make the choice Michelle had to make, choosing between her health insurance or her education," said Ann Marie Morse, mother of Michelle Morse and lead Michelle's Law campaign advocate.
The federal bill was signed into law on Oct. 9, 2008 by former President George W. Bush, and went into effect the following year.
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