This summer, the class of 2009 enters one of the bleakest working worlds in at least a generation. Recent graduated seniors felt this fact acutely throughout last year’s recruiting process. What was once a veritable orgy of recruiting and hiring – at least at Stanford and comparable institutions – has ground to a halt. Now, however, as many students transition into their entry-level jobs they face new concerns.
The center-left magazine New Republic has a blog post that ponders the specific problem of health care for new, young workers. More specifically, will they not recieve health benefits?
Graduates who gain employment in this economy will likely find it in low-income, entry level jobs that are, relative to other jobs, less likely to offer health coverage. Even those graduates on professional tracks start at lower incomes. They may face months or even years to qualify for on-the-job benefits.
The author, Anthony Wright, then speculates that Obama’s plan, when finally enacted, will likely help the sitution. He writes:
Health reform’s real promise for young adults is twofold: (1) expanding on-the-job coverage, especially in the retail, restaurant, and service jobs that are mainstays for young adults; and (2) providing income-based subsidies to help lower-income young adults afford coverage.