Experiences of low-income college students in selection of health insurance, access, and quality of care

Abstract

Objective: To understand the experiences and perspectives of low-income University of California undergraduates related to their health insurance options, access to and quality of care.

Participants: 14 undergraduate students across five UC campuses who identified as socioeconomically disadvantaged or low-income.

Methods: We conducted 4 focus groups organized by type of insurance coverage in April 2022.

Results: (1) the insurance selection process for low-income students is complicated by multiple, sometimes competing factors; (2) the lack of clear information confuses students' selection of insurance and health care options; and (3) students experiences challenges in access and quality of care, irrespective of insurance type.

Conclusions: Ensuring access to high quality care, information and coverage is critical to the university mission to support a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment, for a student body that reflects the needs of the population of California.

Keywords: Health insurance; college; low-income; students; university.