New School students have the option to sign up for New School Healthcare at the start of every school year but for some, the $2,602 may be too much of a financial stretch. ObamaCare, officially known as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act,  is officially available to students across the country. The goal of ObamaCare is to increase access of affordable health insurance to American citizens. Here in New York, we have the New York State Health Exchange, a health insurance marketplace created as a result of ObamaCare.

March 31, 2014 marked the enrollment date for coverage starting May 1, 2014. But for those who missed the deadline, the sooner you enroll, the sooner you’ll be covered. While it may not kick in till 2015, the efficiency of the system is getting better every day and applicants may be able to get coverage before then.

The New York Health Exchange is structured so that an individual can compare health insurance plans and determine which plan is best for your individual budget and health needs.

After answering questions relating to one’s demographics, a matrix of health plans is laid out with their benefits and costs, allowing one to choose the maximum monthly cost. Similar to shopping for the perfect pair of shoes, the Plan Selection Dashboard allows you to filter your search through the maximum amount you are willing to pay each month, quality rating, hospital or facility and doctor. For example, if you live close to a hospital and would prefer to only use that facility, then you can filter the search results down to plans that would cover you in that hospital. Once you’ve narrowed down your search, another matrix will appear showing you all the health insurance plans that suit what you are looking for.

Thus, students can compare the benefits between the New School Healthcare plan and the State Health Exchange and figure out which is more suitable for them personally.

 Additional reporting by Jametria Wright