November 2, 2009

The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
H232, US Capitol
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Madame Speaker:

We are writing on behalf of organizations representing millions of young people to urge the swift passage of H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act.

As you know, young people are the most uninsured age group in America and have been vocal about the need to change the system. This legislation will help make health insurance affordable, competitive, continuous, comprehensive and fair for young Americans.

We support several key elements of the bill, including: the creation of the Health Insurance Exchange marketplace with a public option; efforts to contain costs through caps on deductibles, outofpocket expenses and copays; reform of the insurance industry by ending discriminatory and abusive practices, especially preexisting conditions and gender discrimination; better employerbased coverage; and the focus on preventive care. These elements and subsidies that provide access to quality, affordable health care for all Americans are essential to comprehensive reform.

We are particularly grateful for the inclusion of a critical provision to allow young adults to remain on their parents insurance policy until the age of 27. This could provide coverage for millions of uninsured young Americans.

As the Congress continues to craft final health care reform legislation, we are eager to work with you to ensure that it is a good deal for young Americans. Young people are counting on you to deliver on the promise of reform and a better future for our generation. Thank you for your continued leadership on this issue.

Sincerely,

Advocates for Youth
Black Youth Vote
Choice USA
Campus Progress
Center for Community Change
Demos
Forward Montana
Generational Alliance
Rock the Vote
Young Democrats of America
Young Invincibles
Voto Latino
18 in 08