National Health Insurance Reform: New Opportunities for Coverage for Young Adults

Young adults have the highest and fastest growing uninsured rate in the United States. This brief describes new insurance coverage options that are available or will become available to young adults in Connecticut. In this state, young adults under 26 are eligible for coverage as dependents under their parents’ individual or group health insurance plans. Under national health reform, effective September 23, 2010, this coverage option will also apply to self-insured employment-based plans and will expand coverage to young adults even if they are married or living out-of-state. Young adults with pre-existing conditions who have been uninsured for 6 months or more will be able to obtain coverage through Connecticut’s new Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan beginning August 1, 2010. As a result of federal health reforms, new health insurance options will be available in 2014 through health insurance exchanges, with reduced premiums depending on income, and free coverage under Medicaid for those with low income. Young adults and all other persons will be required to obtain and maintain coverage.