"Dedicated to Health Insurance for College Students".

With the stroke of his pen, Governor John Lynch signed into law Michelle's Law. The law became effective immediately. Thanks to all who attended the signing ceremony. those who could not we know that you were there with us in spirit. Michelle's Law is finished here in NH, however, we will be continuing on to get legislation adopted in the remaining states around the country.

CONCORD, N.H. - Joined by the family of Michelle Morse and legislators, Gov. John Lynch today signed "Michelle's Law," helping ensure that college students do not lose their health insurance when they need it most.

The legislation, HB 37, ensures that seriously ill college students can continue to receive health care insurance through their family's health insurance policy even if they are unable to maintain their full-time student status...

The journey toward Michelle's Law began with a deeply personal story. A dedicated college student faced a serious medical condition while pursuing her education, only to discover that taking a medically necessary leave of absence would mean losing her health insurance coverage. This gap in protection placed an unbearable burden on her family during an already difficult time, and it highlighted a flaw in the system that affected countless students across the country.

Health insurance continuity is something many families take for granted until a crisis strikes. For college students managing serious illnesses, the ability to step away from coursework for treatment without losing coverage can make all the difference. Michelle's Law addresses this fundamental need by ensuring that students who must take a medical leave of absence can remain on their family health plans, preserving access to the care they require during recovery.

The legislative process brought together lawmakers, advocates, and families who understood what was at stake. After moving through the commerce committee and gaining votes in favor of passage, the bill reached the governor's desk. The signing ceremony represented more than a procedural milestone — it was a moment of recognition for everyone who had worked tirelessly to turn personal hardship into meaningful legal protection for others.

While Michelle's Law first took effect in New Hampshire, the vision has always extended beyond state borders. The goal is to see similar legislation adopted in the remaining states around the country, so that no college student anywhere faces the impossible choice between continuing their education and maintaining the health coverage they need. Each new state that takes up the cause brings the nation one step closer to closing this gap entirely.

The core principle behind the law is straightforward: a student covered under a family health plan who must take a medical leave of absence should not lose that coverage. The legislation ensures that insurance continues without requiring families to pay additional premiums beyond what they would normally owe, and without forcing them into more expensive alternatives. It is a commonsense protection rooted in fairness and compassion.

Behind every piece of legislation are the people whose lives it touches. The story that inspired Michelle's Law is one of resilience — a young woman who balanced rigorous treatment schedules, including rounds of chemotherapy lasting hours each week, with the determination to outlive her diagnosis. Her experience as a student and her family's unwavering support became the foundation upon which this law was built.

The impact of this legislation reaches far beyond a single family or community. It sends a clear message that the health and well-being of college students should not be jeopardized by the very policies meant to protect them. Employers, insurers, and educational institutions all have a role to play in upholding the spirit of the law and ensuring that students can focus on what matters most: their recovery and their future.

The work continues through ongoing advocacy, education, and outreach. Families navigating medical crises need clear information about their rights under the law, and legislators in states that have yet to act need to hear from constituents who care about this issue. By keeping the conversation alive and sharing the principles behind Michelle's Law, there is hope that every college student in the country will one day have the peace of mind that comes with knowing their coverage is secure.