Welcome to Michelle's Law

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.

"College students should not lose their health insurance just when they need it the most. Now, in New Hampshire, they won't. Michelle's Law will provide an important protection for New Hampshire families,"
Gov. Lynch said.

Michelle Morse was a student at a Plymouth State University when she was diagnosed with colon cancer. Although her doctor suggested she take a leave of absence from school, Michelle Morse maintained a full course schedule in order to keep her health insurance coverage.

Michelle Morse died in November.

"College students with life-threatening illnesses will now be able to take the advice of their doctors and still keep their health insurance. That is because of the courage and commitment of Michelle and her family. Michelle passed away in November. But her memory lives on, and with this law she leaves a legacy that will make a difference in the lives of other young people," Gov. Lynch said.

Joining Gov. Lynch was Michelle's mother and father, AnnMarie and Glen Morse, and her brother, Michael.

The legislation, which had strong bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate, was sponsored by Representatives William Infantine, Ben Baroody, Raymond Herbert, Keith Hirschman, and Jeffrey Aboshar.

Gov. Lynch also acknowledged the efforts of a number of legislators who worked closely with the Morse family on the legislation, including Representatives John DeJoie and Sheila Francoeur, and Senators David Gottesman and Bob Flanders.

Michelle's law takes effect immediately.

Michelle's Law stands as a vital piece of legislation designed to protect college students who must take a medical leave of absence. When a student faces a serious health condition that requires them to step away from their studies, the last thing their family should worry about is losing health insurance coverage. This law ensures that students can maintain their place on a parent's health insurance policy during that critical time of treatment and recovery. It provides a safety net that allows young adults to focus on healing rather than navigating complex insurance paperwork or facing the stress of uncovered medical expenses.

The journey to passing this legislation was driven by real family experience and dedicated advocacy. After facing the challenge of a child's serious illness while navigating insurance limitations, families and legislators came together to close a gap in coverage. The bill moved through committee hearings and floor votes, gaining bipartisan support from lawmakers who recognized the importance of protecting students during their most vulnerable moments. The governor signed the measure into law at a ceremony attended by the very families whose experiences inspired the change, marking a meaningful step forward for student health protections.

Under this law, students who must take a medical leave of absence from their college or university can continue receiving health coverage under a parent's employer-sponsored insurance plan. Without this protection, many families would face the difficult choice between paying expensive COBRA premiums or watching their child lose access to necessary medical care. The legislation removes that burden by treating a medical leave the same as continuous enrollment, ensuring that chemotherapy, ongoing treatments, and follow-up appointments remain covered without interruption during the healing process.

The spirit of this law extends beyond the legal text into a broader commitment to supporting students and families facing health crises. It acknowledges that young adults battling serious conditions should not have to worry about insurance status while fighting for their health. The legislation reflects a growing understanding that medical challenges do not pause life's other responsibilities, and that sensible policy can ease that burden. Families who have benefited from this protection describe it as a lifeline that allowed them to concentrate fully on what mattered most: their child's recovery and well-being.

Since taking effect, Michelle's Law has provided peace of mind to countless families across the country. Parents no longer face the impossible situation of choosing between maintaining employment and ensuring their sick child has continuous health coverage. The law recognizes that a medical leave of absence from school is not a voluntary departure but a necessary step in a treatment journey. By closing this gap in insurance policy language, the legislation has helped students return to their studies after recovery, knowing their health coverage remained intact and their place in their family's insurance plan was secure.