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In Case You Missed It: 2.5 Million More Young Adults Now Have Health Insurance

January 3, 2012 at 4:26 PM ET by Mara Vanderslice
Summary: 
Mara Vanderslice, Director of the Department of Health and Human Services' Partnerships Center, shares good news about the Affordable Care Act and access to health care for young adults.

We are thrilled to report that the CDC released data last month showing that 2.5 million more young adults now have health insurance coverage thanks to health reform.   In September 2010, an Affordable Care Act policy went into effect allowing young adults to stay on their parents' insurance plans through age 26.

“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,” said Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.  “Moms and dads around the country can breathe a little easier knowing their children are covered.”  Check out this HHS press release for more details.

“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,” said Sherry Glied, Ph.D., HHS Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation.  “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.”   You can find out more here on this CDC fact sheet.

As we celebrate the great news about 2.5 million more young adults receiving health coverage, we also want to lift up important changes to labor laws that will protect health care workers.

In 2007, then-Senator Obama spent a day working with Pauline Beck, a home health worker.  The day crystallized the President’s dedication to improving the work life of health workers.    Last month, Pauline stood with President Obama at the White House as he proposed changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) which, if passed by Congress, will improve work life and pay for healthcare workers like her.  

Mara Vanderslice serves as Director of the Department of Health and Human Services' Partnerships Center.