2.5 Million More Young Adults Have Health Coverage Because of Affordable Care Act

Former Insurance Commissioner Rep. Garamendi Says
Bill Continuing to Create a Healthier America

WASHINGTON, DC – Today the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that 2.5 million young adults, aged 19 to 25, now have health coverage thanks to the Patient's Bill of Rights, which is part of the health care reform law. Congressman John Garamendi (D-Fairfield, CA), California's Insurance Commissioner for eight years, was proud to help lead the fight for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which includes a provision that allows young adults under the age of 26 to join their parents' health insurance plan. Because of the Affordable Care Act, the percentage of young adults with health insurance rose from 64% to 73%.

"The Affordable Care Act is creating a healthier America, as 2.5 million young adults can now attest," Congressman Garamendi said. "Allowing young adults to join their parents' health plan is also a great relief for loving moms and dads. I should know. My daughter is one of the 2.5 million young adults now insured through this important policy change."

"Earlier this year, my Republican colleagues voted to repeal the Patient's Bill of Rights," added Garamendi. "Just so we're clear, if the Tea Party has their way, these 2.5 million young adults would lose their health care coverage. 2.5 million sons and daughters, possibly your own, would once again be one broken arm, one infection away from bankruptcy, delayed treatment, or worse. So long as I'm in Congress, I will fight to prevent that injustice from happening."