More young adults on parents' health insurance policies

More than 30% of young adults nationwide are without insurance. They earn less, on average, than those who are older, and have higher rates of unemployment. They account for about one-fifth of the nation's uninsured. One of the first provisions of the federal healthcare overhaul - allowing young adults to stay on their parents' health insurance until they turn 26 - is expected to make a big dent in the number of uninsured young people this year. The young-adult extension is one of the most popular aspects of the Affordable Care Act provisions that squeaked through Congress in March. The change will make it easier and cheaper for thousands of 20-somethings to obtain insurance, even in states where other options have existed for several years. By expanding coverage to young adults until age 26, over 1 million young adults can keep or get coverage at an affordable level. The new law requires insurance carriers to offer extended coverage on or after Sept. 23, whenever the parent's plan is renewed. The expansion is expected to increase premiums for all by less than 1%. Source: LA Times
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