Social Work Perspective on Community Organizing Around Student Health Insurance at a Midwestern University in The United States: A Case Study

Abstract

Following the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010, universities were prompted and advised to consider a policy-level change. In particular, universities had to consider whether or not to draft and adopt an ACA-compliant health insurance plan for students. Given that universities were not required to offer a student health insurance plan, students at a Midwestern university in 2011 developed a social action community organization to apply pressure on university administrators to ensure the development and adoption of an ACA-compliant student health insurance plan. The processes and strategies employed by this successful student community organization are discussed in the present case study. Recommendations for future student-led community organization projects on college campuses are provided.