FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 13, 2013

Contact: Colin Seeberger, colin.seeberger@younginvincibles.org, 214.223.2913

Despite Glitches, Over Half a Million Americans Have Already Enrolled in Health Plans Set to Begin Coverage in January 2014

Nearly One Million Additional Consumers Have Completed the Application Process to Shop and Choose a Health Insurance Plan

[WASHINGTON]—According to an announcement from the Department of Health & Human Services, 106,000 people enrolled in a private health plan using the Health Insurance Marketplace from October 1st through November 2nd. Another 396,000 have been able to gain coverage by taking advantage of the Affordable Care Act’s new Medicaid and CHIP benefits.

Aaron Smith, Co-Founder & Executive Director of Young Invincibles, released the following statement on today’s announcement:

“For over half a million Americans that have been able to gain coverage in the first month of Open Enrollment, the Affordable Care Act is already fulfilling the promise of economic security. We are inspired and motivated by the over 500,000 people who have already gained coverage. Looking at patterns from the Massachusetts experience, we also know that enrollment will surge even more as consumers learn about their options and we get closer to the deadline. Young Invincibles will be hosting education and enrollment events across the country and utilize new digital tools to make sure our generation has the information they need.

“What young people need to know is that Obamacare works. As the country’s most historically underinsured age group, young adults stand to disproportionately benefit from provisions of the Affordable Care Act that will make health care coverage more affordable than ever. With over half of young adults saying they hold some sort of medical debt, plans on healthcare.gov will make them less financially vulnerable and guarantee them the quality coverage they need.”

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Young Invincibles is a national organization committed to amplifying the voices of young adults, ages 18 to 34, and expanding economic opportunity for our generation. Young Invincibles ensures that young adults are represented in today’s most pressing societal debates through cutting-edge policy research and analysis, and innovative campaigns designed to educate, inform and mobilize our generation to change the status quo.