Iowa State University Collaborating With When To Help Graduates With Health Insurance

By Amit Chowdhry • Apr 27, 2025

When a leading AI-based post-employment solution announced a strategic partnership with Iowa State University to provide students with post-graduation health insurance options along with job search and resume-building services. And 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.

Iowa State University is also becoming the first in the nation to partner with When offering graduates access to affordable health insurance and career resources. And the university’s commitment to supporting students beyond graduation is represented by this view of the iconic campus entrance and Campanile tower.

Even though 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 of critical coverage, such as nontraditional (later-in-life) students, those without family coverage, and graduate students beyond the ACA’s age limit.

These graduating students also 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.

When’s AI-based 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.

Some of the 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

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

Besides health insurance options, this partnership offers post-graduation services beyond the traditional career center. And 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, etc.

KEY QUOTES:

“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. The partnership with When allows us to offer modern, affordable options for our graduates to transition into their next chapter with confidence.”

Ed Holland, Director of Benefits and WorkLife at Iowa State University

“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. We look forward to supporting Iowa State graduates as they navigate one of the biggest transitions of their lives.”

Andy Hamilton, CEO at When