2.5 Million Young Americans Now Covered Under Affordable Care Act

More than 2.5 million young Americans under 26 now have health insurance who would otherwise not be covered thanks to the Affordable Care Act, the Department of Health and Human Services announced Wednesday morning.

Previously, the department had reported that 1 million young people were covered under the provision in the act, which also helps recent college graduates without a job but not on a parent's plan stay insured.

This chart shows the sharp rise in young Americans with health insurance since the legislation took effect:

The news is a positive indicator that the provision is working, said Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

"Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, 2.5 million more young adults don't have to live with the fear of going without health insurance," she said. "Moms and dads around the country can breathe a little easier knowing their children are covered.

Campus Progress, which has advocated for the provision, also lauded the announcement.

"As young adults pursue financial independence, they face significant challenges ranging from mounting student loan debt to employment that may not provide sufficient health insurance," said Campus Progress Communications Manager Tobin Van Ostern. "Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, the millions of newly insured young adults can now have confidence that they won't go into deep debt if they get sick or injured."

Brian Stewart is the communications manager at Campus Progress.

Related Stories

• Coast To Coast, College Sexual Assault Survivors See Gains
• How the Affordable Care Act Helps Young Adults
• NWL: ‘Old Enough to Get Pregnant, Old Enough to Decide’
• How This North Carolina Bill Will Restrict Health Care for Minors
• What Would You Do If Your Kid Was Disabled, Dependent on Medicaid and in Trouble?