Health insurance is one complex subject that almost requires a PHD. People have to figure out deductibles, PPOs, and co-insurance plans.As a college student, it is very difficult to think about health insurance when juggling full time classes, jobs, and bills. Often times, health is a factor that comes to mind last. Emma Murphy, a sophomore at AI says, “Health insurance isn’t that important to me right now-it’s too expensive and when I do get sick, I wait until I’m on my death bed in order to find a free clinic.”

In Chicago there are, however, a few ways to get around not having health insurance. Throughout the city, there are free health clinics that do offer basic procedures and some that offer specialty care. Community Health is a free clinic located on 2611 West Chicago that has been around for 15 years and offers health care to people who are uninsured and fall below the 250% federal poverty line. Students can find out if they are eligible by calling 773-395-9901. Pacific Garden Mission Clinic is also available for free health treatment, their location is 1458 South Canal Street, and can be reached at 312-492-9410. Also, instead of flocking toward convenient remedies like we often do, webmd.com offers helpful insights. When dealing with home remedies, people should execute caution since they may be harmful. Tips regarding home remedies should be cross-referenced on multiple websites or confirmed by a pharmacist in a local drug store, like CVS or Walgreens.

As a society, health is placed last in comparison to partying, working, or studying because of financial reasons. Until we obtain a career job, it is good to know that there are free health clinics and home remedies that can help relieve colds, runny noses, and headaches.

Available to A.I. students is a student medical insurance program sponsored by the National Collegiate Underwriters & Administrators, Inc. See http://secure.visit-aci.com/ai for more information.