The Affordable Care Act (ACA) allows young Americans to stay on their parents’ health insurance until age 26. However, many face an ‘insurance cliff’ when they must find their own coverage. The ACA’s dependent coverage expansion initially provided a safety net, but subsequent policy changes have eroded its effectiveness. Rising costs and complex insurance marketplaces leave many uninsured or with inadequate coverage. An estimated 15% of 26-year-olds lack insurance, the highest rate among any age group. Changes to Medicaid eligibility could worsen the situation, affecting millions. This issue highlights the need for policy reform to ensure accessible and affordable healthcare for young adults.
Leave a Reply