Graduation and Your Health
Friday, Apr 25, 2025
Graduation and Your Healthcare
As college students near graduation, thoughts often turn to job searches, interview prep, and figuring out living arrangements. However, one crucial aspect that should also be at the top of your list is your health.
For many Florida Atlantic students, maintaining their health while in college has included visits to Florida Atlantic’s on-campus clinic. The convenience and focus of the medical team on college-aged students provided the perfect place to help you develop the skills and knowledge to maintain your health. Regrettably, after graduation, you will transition away from these specialized providers that are solely focused on the needs of college-aged patients. Although this transition can feel overwhelming, there are several important steps you can take to ensure you stay on top of your healthcare needs.
Establish Your Own Primary Care Provider
If your primary care provider has been one of the providers at Florida Atlantic’s Student Health Services, now is a good time to find a primary care physician in the community. This provider will be your go-to for regular checkups, prescriptions, and specialist referrals. If you’re moving to a new city after graduation, research local healthcare providers, read reviews, ask for recommendations from friends, and find one who is accepting new patients.
Get Familiar with Your Medical Records
Before graduation, request a copy of your medical records from Student Health Services. This will help you maintain continuity of care as you switch doctors. Make sure to have a list of any prescriptions you currently take, allergies, and important health conditions.
Consider Preventive Care
Schedule any routine medical exams or checkups that are covered under your current health plan while you're still in school. This may include dental checkups, vaccinations, or screenings. All these services are available at Florida Atlantic’s Student Health Services and can be scheduled for the same day or within a few days. Preventive care is more affordable at Student Health Services since your tuition’s health fee helps to keep the cost low.
If you find that you will still be living near campus after graduation, Student Health Services offers graduates the ability to have a continuity of care visit the semester immediately following graduation to follow up on any ongoing care and to make sure you have enough refills of your prescriptions. Florida Atlantic also provides an option to pay the health fee and receive services from Student Health Services for one additional semester. Call the Boca Raton Campus Clinic at 561-297-3512 to learn more.
Understand Your Health Insurance Options
If you're under 26, you can remain on your parent's health insurance plan. If you were already covered while in college, it can be a smooth transition to stay on their plan until you're able to secure your own coverage through work or other options.
If you have a job lined up after graduation, ask if the employer offers health insurance and when the coverage starts. Some employers offer coverage as soon as you start working, while others may require you to wait a few months.
If you don't have access to employer insurance, you may need to explore the Health Insurance Marketplace (Obamacare). You can apply for coverage during open enrollment periods or through special enrollment if transitioning from your parent’s or other insurance plan. Very low-cost subsidized plans are also available on the Marketplace, so don’t feel you need to go without coverage during this transitional period.
As you transition to a new plan, remember that if you have a pre-existing condition, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) prevents discrimination based on that condition. You cannot be denied coverage because of it.
Spend some time understanding your new health insurance. Your new insurance will have a network of participating providers where you can choose a new doctor. You will likely have copays and deductibles for certain types of medical care, where you will pay a predefined set amount for services, and then your insurance pays the remaining balance.
By staying proactive and informed about your healthcare options, you can ease the transition from college to post-graduation life and avoid unnecessary stress about your health.
If you would like to schedule an appointment pre-graduation or the semester immediately following graduation visit https://shs-portal.fau.edu or call or visit one of our clinic locations:
Boca Raton Clinic 561-297-3512
2nd Floor Across from the Food Court, SS-8W, Room 240
Jupiter Campus 561-799-8678
Student Resources Building, SR Room 106