Government study: 2.5 million young adults now covered because of ACA

New federal analysis released this week estimates that 2.5 million young adults have gained health insurance coverage since the Affordable Care Act dependent coverage provision took effect (Source: “2010 health-care law: 2.5 million young adults now covered,” Kaiser Health News via Columbus Dispatch, Dec. 15, 2011).

The ACA allows parents to keep their children on their insurance plans up to age 26, as long as the child has no other means of obtaining coverage. The estimate is “even higher than many predicted,” said HHS Sec. Kathleen Sebelius. Earlier analysis had estimated that the provision would increase insurance rolls by between 700,000 and 1.2 million. The estimation is based on U.S. Census data and the results of the latest National Health Interview Survey.

Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio said the provision “has made a huge difference, particularly as our young people face a tough job market.”