Statistics released Wednesday by the National Center for Health Statistics at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that as of the end of second quarter of 2011 approximately 2.5 million more young adults between the ages of 19 to 25 have private health insurance coverage due to the health care reform law vigorously promoted by President Obama and passed by Congress in March 2010.
The increase is due to a section of the health care reform law which went live in September of 2010 and allows young adults up to the age of 26 to remain on their parents’ insurance plans. The jump in coverage of 19 to 25 year old adults went from 64.4% coverage in September 2010 to 72.7% coverage by June 2011.
In the press release from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), HHS assistant secretary for planning and evaluation Dr. Sherry Glied stated, “The data announced today show that, because of the health care law, there is a continued and consistent pattern of improved health coverage among young adults. The Affordable Care Act has helped literally millions of young adults get the health insurance they need so they can begin their careers with the peace of mind that they’re covered.”
The Affordable Care Act which was heavily opposed by Republicans has made sweeping changes to the nation’s health insurance system, and among other reforms prohibits insurance companies from dropping patients when they get ill, requires that insurance companies to comply with a medical loss ratio of 80% to 85%, and provides tax credits to families which are unable to afford health insurance.
“Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, 2.5 million more young adults don’t have to live with the fear and uncertainty of going without health insurance,” HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius remarked. “Moms and dads around the country can breathe a little easier knowing their children are covered.”
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