In the midst of a hotly contested health care debate, one reform has already occurred that directly affects the college student.

Last year, Congress passed a bill that allows students to take up to a year leave of absence for medical reasons and still remain on their parents’ health care plan. Known as Michelle’s Law, it went into effect on October 9th for students across the country.

It was named after Michelle Morse, who was diagnosed with colon cancer while attending New Hampshire’s Plymouth State University in 2004. While doctors told Michelle she needed to stay at home and rest, her parents’ health care plan made her take a different path.

Morse could only maintain eligibility under the insurer’s requirements if she remained a full-time student. Michelle decided to undertake a full class load while undergoing chemotherapy and treatments.

AnnMarie Morse, Michelle’s mother, described her daughter’s situation: “Even when she was sick as could be she still trudged along and went to school, and she had to wear a pump on her hip because her chemo lasted 48 hours and it was administered every other week. But she always had a smile on her face—very positive.”

Six months after graduating with honors, Michelle lost her fight with cancer, dying at the age of 22. Her mother took her story to Congressman Paul Hodes, who represents Morse’s district, and groups like the American Cancer Society to garner support.

At a press conference on Friday to recognize the law’s enactment, AnnMarie had mixed emotions. According to the Associated Press, AnnMarie Morse described the bill’s passage as “a very bittersweet day. I wish I could turn back time and have the family my husband and I were given: one daughter, one son.”

She told the AP that she is not finished pushing for health care reform: “Michelle’s Law plugged one hole, but the health care system has many more problems that leave too many people struggling to access and afford the care they need.”

Our Take:

It’s such a shame that great ideas are born out of such horrible tragedies. The fact that Michelle’s health care providers would not cover her cancer treatments if she was not attending school full-time is ludicrous and insensitive. Continuing her education may have cost Michelle her life.

This is just another example of the problems found in the current health care system. While this step has been completed, there are so many more to be taken that are evidenced by stories just as heart-breaking. Politicians can ill afford to lose sight of the true beneficiaries of health care reform; the citizens that literally can’t survive without it.

We at College News wish to extend our thanks to the Morse family for striving for change.