Iowa State University Partners with When to Connect Graduates With Affordable Health Insurance

First-of-Its-Kind Program Expands Health Insurance Access for Graduating Students, Providing Cost-Effective Coverage Solutions

CHICAGO, April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- When, a leading AI-powered post-employment solution, has announced a strategic partnership with Iowa State University to provide students with post-graduation health insurance options alongside job search and resume building services. This initiative makes Iowa State the first university in the nation to collaborate with When to offer seamless, cost-effective healthcare options for students transitioning off their student health plans.

While the Affordable Care Act ensures many undergraduates four years of coverage after graduation on a parent's plan, many new graduates are still left out from critical coverage, including nontraditional (later-in-life) students, those without family coverage, and graduate students beyond the ACA's age limit.

These graduating students often face limited and expensive healthcare options – with continuing coverage costing hundreds of dollars per month. The new partnership with When allows Iowa State University to help all graduates explore personalized, budget-friendly alternatives that align with their post-graduation paths—whether they are entering the workforce, pursuing entrepreneurial goals, or taking time to explore new opportunities.

"At Iowa State, we are committed to supporting our students beyond graduation, and that includes making sure they have access to quality healthcare options and career support," said Ed Holland, Director of Benefits and WorkLife at Iowa State University. "The partnership with When allows us to offer modern, affordable options for our graduates to transition into their next chapter with confidence."

A Smarter Approach to Health Insurance for Graduates

When's AI-powered platform personalizes health insurance options based on an individual's needs, helping graduates find coverage that fits their budget and lifestyle. Instead of navigating complex and expensive plans, students can easily compare and enroll in more affordable health insurance alternatives through When's marketplace.

Key benefits of When's alternative coverage include:

• Savings of up to 70% compared to traditional health insurance costs
• Curated health insurance options, including marketplace plans and short-term coverage
• Expert guidance to help graduates select the best plan for their needs
• Seamless digital experience for easy enrollment and plan management

"When is trusted by companies to make the post-employment experience much more compassionate for exiting employees. Through this partnership with Iowa State University, we now get to offer the same experience to graduating students," said Andy Hamilton, CEO at When. "We look forward to supporting Iowa State graduates as they navigate one of the biggest transitions of their lives."

Redefining Post-Graduation Support

This collaboration is part of a broader effort to modernize the post-graduation experience and ensure that recent graduates have the resources they need to succeed. As universities look for ways to better support students beyond the classroom, Iowa State's partnership with When sets a new standard for post-graduation support in higher education.

Besides health insurance options, the partnership offers post-graduation services that go beyond the traditional career center. With When, Iowa State University graduates will have access to a fleet of job search and resume-building services tailored to their needs through partners like Career Sandwich, Swooped, CompareMedsRX, and more.

Graduating students at Iowa State University can visit the Iowa State University and When student portal for more information.

About Iowa State University

Iowa State University is a student-centric leading research university with a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, innovation, extension and outreach that benefits Iowans and the world. Innovate at Iowa State reflects the university's national leadership for providing innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for all students. Iowa State enrolls 30,000 students and employs more than 6,000 faculty and staff. More information: www.iastate.edu.

About When Insurance

When helps organizations leverage AI to transform their peoples' exit experience into a positive, brand-enhancing moment while mitigating health insurance costs. Traditionally used by employers to enhance the employee exit experience, When is now also available to educational institutions who want to set their graduates up for success by connecting them with more affordable health insurance options, resume guidance and career counselling. With a user-friendly marketplace and concierge support, When partners with Benefits teams to elevate the exit process and provide value to both organizations and individuals - because last impressions are lasting impressions. More information is available at https://www.forwhen.com/.

SOURCE When