4.5 Million Young Adults Have Gained Coverage Since 2010, Improving Access to Care and Benefitting Our Economy

Ed. note: This was originally published on the White House Blog.

Young adults historically faced unique challenges in obtaining health insurance coverage. In 2009, nearly one-third of young adults ages 19-25 lacked health insurance, more than twice the rate for Americans overall. But the nation has since made dramatic progress in expanding coverage among young adults, thanks to the Affordable Care Act’s provision allowing young adults to remain on a parent’s plan through age 26 and its broader expansion of coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplaces and Medicaid.

From the time the first of these provisions took effect in 2010 through the second quarter of 2014, the uninsured rate among young adults dropped by more than 40 percent, corresponding to 4.5 million additional insured young adults. These large gains among young adults are a major reason that the nation’s overall uninsured rate was at or near the lowest level ever recorded as of the second quarter of last year. Moreover, there is evidence young adults’ expanded access to coverage is increasing their access to health care, improving their health and financial security, and potentially generating long-term benefits for our economy.

Even with this progress, almost one in five young adults remains uninsured. But many of these young adults are eligible for financial assistance to obtain coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplaces or eligible for coverage through Medicaid. This year’s Open Enrollment period ends on February 15th, so those still without insurance should visit HealthCare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to get covered now.

Young Adults Historically Faced Challenges in Obtaining Health Insurance

Before the Affordable Care Act, young adults faced particular challenges in obtaining health insurance. Working-age Americans typically get health insurance coverage through an employer. But many young adults are still in school full-time, and even those who are employed are less likely to be offered health insurance than their older counterparts (for example, because they are working part time or in sectors less likely to offer health benefits). Historically, young adults were also much less likely than children and seniors to qualify for coverage through public programs like Medicare and Medicaid. To read the full post, visit WhiteHouse.gov.

Jason Furman is the Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers. Matt Fiedler is a Senior Economist on the Council of Economic Advisers.