Michelle’s Law protects health care coverage of students on medical leave

New legislation affecting college students, titled Michelle’s Law (H.R. 2851), guarantees students taking medical leaves of absence up to a year of dependent status under their parents’ health insurance plans. While the effect of this law on Stanford’s health insurance plan is uncertain, Stanford students welcomed the law.

President Bush signed Michelle’s Law (H.R. 2851) into effect on Oct. 9. Though the number of students affected by this law might not be directly obvious, it is a relief for those who suffer from medical conditions.

“Cancer treatment is not something that only affects you when you go to the hospital for your chemotherapy, radiation or surgery,” said Kate McGrath ‘10, a cancer survivor and officer of student group Stanford College Against Cancer (SCAC). “No one diagnosed with cancer should have to confront the additional stress of taking a full course load in order to receive health insurance coverage.”

Vaden Health Center staff is still trying to assess whether the law affects Cardinal Care, the University-sponsored student insurance plan.

“Presently, we believe the law does not pertain to Cardinal Care, but we have asked for legal review to confirm our interpretation,” said Amy Baldwin, associate Director of Vaden, in an email to The Daily. “However, students who are on Cardinal Care can take a leave of absence and remain on the plan for the remaining quarters in the academic year.”

Staff of Vaden Health Center could not disclose information on students who were or are on medical leaves of absence, making it difficult to know the size of students potentially impacted by Michelle’s Law.

The bill is named after Michelle Morse, a former student of Plymouth State University who was diagnosed with cancer in 2004. Morse had to maintain her full-time enrollment while undergoing chemotherapy so she could be covered by her family’s insurance. She eventually succumbed to colon cancer.

A similar law was first passed in New Hampshire, Michelle’s home state, in 2006 after strong advocacy by Michelle’s mother. The bill was sponsored by U.S. Rep. Paul Hodes (D-NH) and received bipartisan support in Congress.

A few other universities already include in their student health insurance plan protection for those who still need health coverage but are no longer able to enroll in school. Illinois State University, for example, allows students to switch from a group plan to an individual plan for up to 12 months after withdrawing from the university.

Meanwhile, administrators in charge of undergraduate education at Stanford applauded the legislation and assured students that taking a leave of absence for medical — or non-medical — reasons is nothing to be afraid of.

“The process is very easy,” said Assistant Dean of Freshmen Koren Bakkegard. “We have advisors here at the VPUE office helping students who are thinking about leave of absence to evaluate impacts, with regard to housing, financial aid, etc. We want to emphasize that a leave of absence is always an option.”

SCAC members were thrilled by the news of the legislation. Jamie Tam ‘10, co-chair of the group, pointed to the strong advocacy effort of the American Cancer Society, the umbrella organization of College Against Cancer, for the expediency of the process.

“As part of American Cancer Society’s advocacy initiative, we collected over 100 signatures in support of Michelle’s Law last year,” Tam said. “It’s very rewarding to see the bill finally become a reality.”

“I think that it needed to happen,” said Lexi Peters ‘11, the American Cancer Society advocacy lead in California. “And hopefully we’ll be able to amend it later on and extend the amount of time. A year is just not enough.”

McGrath shared her experience as a cancer survivor, stressing the importance of the legislation.

“Fighting cancer is a 24/7 battle — one that leaves you fatigued, nauseous and emotionally drained,” she said. “Diagnosed with cancer at age 15, I struggled to keep up with my high-school studies during my treatment. I can assure you that it was no small feat for me to graduate with my class.”

SCAC hopes to continue its momentum in advocacy and work on breast cancer awareness in the coming month.