Marking Two Years of the Affordable Care Act: Sen. Carper Highlights Health Care Reform’s Impact on Young Adults

WASHINGTON – In anticipation of the two year anniversary of the Affordable Care Act becoming law, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee who helped strengthen the health care reform legislation in the Senate, released the following statement highlighting the law’s benefits for young adults throughout Delaware and the United States:

“Health insurance may not be the first thing on the minds of many of Delaware’s young adults,” said Sen. Carper. “But as a parent, I know that the health and well-being of our children – no matter the age – is a primary concern. Unfortunately, many young adults lack access to affordable, quality care and when unforeseen medical costs occur, young adults are stuck with staggering medical bills that can jeopardize their financial future and keep them from getting the medical care they need. But thanks to the Affordable Care Act, health insurance plans are now required to allow young adults under age 26 without job-based coverage to remain on their parents’ health insurance. This provision has already extended coverage to nearly 4,000 young adults in the First State and 2.5 million young people nationwide. By expanding health care access to our young adults, the Affordable Care Act helps keep our future generations healthier – physically and financially – from an earlier age.”

Expanding Access to Affordable, Quality Health Care to Delaware’s Young Adults:

• Already in effect: Under the Affordable Care Act, you can now be insured as a dependent on your parent’s health insurance if you’re under age 26.

• Already in effect: New health plans must now cover certain preventive health screenings and services without cost sharing.

• Starting in 2014, if your income is less than $43,000 for a single individual and your job doesn’t offer affordable coverage, you may get tax credits to help pay for insurance.

• Starting in 2014, if you’re unemployed with limited income up to about $15,000 per year for a single person (higher income for couples/families with children), you may be eligible for health coverage through Medicaid.

• Starting in 2014, if your employer doesn’t offer insurance, you will be able to buy insurance directly in an Affordable Insurance Exchange. An Exchange is a new transparent and competitive insurance marketplace where individuals and small businesses can buy affordable and qualified health insurance plans. Exchanges will offer you a choice of health plans that meet certain benefits and cost standards.

• In 2014, members of Congress will be getting their health insurance through Exchanges, and you will be able buy your insurance through Exchanges, too.

To read more about how the Affordable Care Act has strengthened health care for young adults, please click here.

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