Young Adults Can Stay on Parent's Plan; PHAN to Host Conf Call

     Did you know that as a Health Care Organizer, I get great health care benefits?  It's true.  And thank goodness ~ because for years I was one of the nearly 18.9 million young adults living in this country without health insurance. 

     According to Young Invincibles, nearly one-third of all uninsured people are young adults.  The organization also stipulates that in 2000 6 young Americans died every day, because they didn't have access to affordable health care.

     Like with any population, there are challenges to obtaining health coverage that are particular to young adults.  A common example is the recent college graduate.  Most plans that cover young adults are willing to do so throughout their collegiate career.  When that ends, however, it's 'Congrats Grad, now find yourself some coverage.' 

     We accept and expect to be unemployed for a few months; it may actually be longer than that these days.  Finally landing that job also doesn't guarantee we'll be receiving benefits, especially as entry level staff.

      For over 2 million young adults the new health care reform law means an end to the fingers-crossed health care plan.  In September 2010, six months after the bill's passage, the provision allowing young Americans to remain on their parent's health insurance until the age of 26 goes into effect.  Some health insurance companies are even allowing those 20-somethings that had been kicked off to get back on their parent's plan prior to the September start date.  Those currently recieving COBRA can return to their parent's plan as dependents then, after they pass the age of 26, they can go back on COBRA for up to 36 months.

     Join us for PHAN's weekly call this Wednesday at 6:00 PM to learn more details about this.  Also, hear about Pennsylvania's law that allows young Americans to stay on their parent's plan until age 29.  Learn about the loopholes in that law and if and how they are corrected via national reform.  Please contact me for dial-in instructions, aford@philaup.org.