<p>My dad lost his job at the end of last year, so money has been very tight. I was even considering taking a gap year to earn money for college, but thanks to Vanderbilt's generous financial aid, i could cover my full cost with only federal loans ($5500). Or so I thought. </p>
<p>Because my dad is unemployed, we receive health insurance through our State Marketplace, so I will not get coverage in Tennessee, which would mean an extra $1500 tacked on to my bill. My parents can <em>technically</em> pay for the insurance, but that means I may not have enough money to pay for textbooks. I called FA office three months ago to revise my current financial aid, so I doubt they can do anything now. I wanted to avoid taking out private loans, but at this point it seems inevitable, and since fall semester tuition deadline is approaching, I need to make a decision quickly to make sure my loan disburses on time. I plan to make interest based payment during the school year with an on campus job, and I will be taking out a relatively small amount, but it's a slippery slope and I don't want to make taking out loans a habit. Are there any alternatives? </p>
<p>Just to confirm, this insurance has no coverage outside the state you are a resident of? I ask because many policies have lower coverage, but some “outside network” coverage that does extend outside your home state. I can’t tell if you have a policy or Medicaid from your post. We purchase insurance for my D2 though our state exchange under the Affordable Care Act, and it has some coverage out of state (but it is not Medicaid, it is a regular insurance plan).</p>
<p>Colleges usually need you to provide proof of insurance or they will charge you for their plan. BUT, there are sometimes ways to avoid that. if you have some coverage in Tennesee but it is not as strong as the college requires “on paper” when they tell you the rules for not having to pay for their college plan, there may be a way to waive out just the same. Our deductible this year was higher than technically required by D2’s college, but it turns out that they allowed us to sign a waiver form saying we could handle the higher deductible, and then they have her the waiver.</p>
<p>Most colleges do not include the insurance in the COA or the aid. It is a relatively small amount to borrow. I wouldn’t give up the huge aid you are getting to attend a school that has many luxuries and opportunities you will find available once you go there. This is a case of can’t see the forest for the trees. The big picture is that you are not one of the students here trying to take out untenable loans. This is a reasonable level for what you are getting and you shouldn’t be worrying about it. Aware of yes, but not overly worried. You should be working summers.</p>
<p>Okay! Thank you, everyone! I think you can pay the insurance in installments, but I’ll call on Monday to make sure. If I do end up needing additional loans, however, should I get started immediately if fall tuition is due August 1? Or is the process for small loans short? </p>
<p>I have a job right now. I’m definitely open to a 2nd job, but I’m not sure if I can get hired somewhere if I’m leaving in a little over 1 month (move-in day on August 16th). </p>
<p>See if you can get a payment plan for your costs above what you get in loans, scholarships, and grants. If this is your only uncovered amount, your payments would only be about $130/mo (they are usually for 9-10 months. There might be a registration fee of $30-100, which sucks. That way, you’ll still have your current earnings for books and start up costs.</p>
<p>I have another healthcare related question - Vandy notified me yesterday that I was missing a meningococcal booster shot. If I don’t have all my immunization requirements fulfilled by July 20th, I won’t be able to modify my fall schedule and if I don’t have them fulfilled by August 20th, basically I can’t go to school in the fall. My Medicaid doesn’t cover it (what a surprise) and paying out-of-pocket is pretty expensive. I’m going to the Health Department tomorrow to see if they can do it, but if not, should I take a risk and wait until mid-August when my Student Health Insurance kicks in? </p>