One Million More Young Adults Have Coverage Thanks to the Affordable Care Act

A report, released today, finds that as of March 31, 2011, approximately one million more young adults have health coverage, compared with one year ago. This significant drop in the number of uninsured young Americans is thanks to a provision in the Affordable Care Act that allows them to stay on their parents’ plans until they turn 26.

The CDC’s National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) shows that in the first quarter of 2011, the percentage of adults between the ages of 19 and 25 with health insurance increased to 69.6%, from 66.1% in 2010.

These data are one more sign that the Affordable Care Act is working - especially for young adults all across the country. We know young adults are the group least likely to have health insurance and while most are in great health, everyone needs insurance in case they experience an injury or illness.

The data released today is also consistent with reports from a newly released Gallup survey which found that the Affordable Care Act has been successful at covering young adults in the first part of 2011. Gallup wrote:

The provision of the Affordable Care Act that allows children up to the age of 26 to remain on their parents' plans appears to be having an immediate effect on the number of Americans who report they have health insurance.

These three national surveys show a consistent pattern: more young adults are getting the health insurance they need,  This expansion of health coverage sets the tone as we move towards 2014, when more Americans than ever will have access to affordable insurance options.

Source: White House news release