More Young Americans Now Have Insurance Post-Health Care Reform
SOURCE:
About half a million more young people were insured in 2010—thanks largely to a new policy for those under 26.
Nearly half a million more young Americans had health insurance in 2010 than the previous year—a spike that health officials said “almost certainly” is a benefit of health care reform.
According to new data released by the U.S. Census Bureau on Tuesday, the increase brings the total number of insured Americans aged 18-24 to 72.8 percent, up from 70.7 percent in 2009. Those between 18 and 34 are typically the least likely to have insurance.
“Young people sometimes think they’re invincible, but it’s important for everyone to have insurance,” Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius said in a statement. “One car accident, one slip in a shower, or one sudden illness can result in months or even years of health care bills that can bankrupt the average family if that son or daughter is uninsured.”
Sebelius said she expects more young Americans will continue to gain insurance coverage as the policy allowing those under 26 to remain on their parents’ plan continues to be implemented. The policy took effect on Sept. 23, 2010.
A policy brief [PDF] on the statistics says: “Given that the fraction with health coverage was stable or decreasing in other groups, the two percentage point increase in share with health coverage among 18-24 year olds almost certainly reflects the effects of the extension of dependent coverage to age 26.”
Brian Stewart is the journalism and online communications manager at Campus Progress.
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