Young Invincibles Applauds Gov. Brown’s Signature on Groundbreaking Law Seeking Health Care Expansion Waiver

CONTACT Nina Smith, Nina.Smith@

younginvincibles.org, 301-717-

9006

Young Invincibles Applauds Gov. Brown’s Signature on Groundbreaking Law Seeking Health Care Expansion Waiver

Historic legislation would expand access to the state’s health insurance marketplace for thousands of young Californian immigrants and DACA recipients LOS ANGELES — Gov. Jerry Brown today signed SB 10 into law, a measure that will take California closer to making health care coverage available to all Californians. The new law seeks federal approval that would allow all Californians, regardless of immigration status, to buy health insurance at full price through the state’s health marketplace. California is now the first to state to apply for such a waiver since the Affordable Care Act’s enactment. 

Young Invincibles, a research and advocacy group dedicated to improving health care for young adults, applauded the governor and state legislature for making California a national leader in providing all young adults and young families with access to coverage.“The passage of SB10 corrects a longstanding injustice in our health care system by giving thousands of hardworking young people and young families in California the ability to purchase quality coverage,” said Gustavo Herrera, Western Regional Director for Young Invincibles. “Mixed status families fare better when they are able to shop around and purchase health insurance together. And thanks to the efforts of young activists, supporters, and leaders like Governor Brown and Senator Lara, we’ve made that possible. Today we move closer to achieving health care for all people, regardless of their immigration status.” Under the law signed by Gov. Brown, the state will apply for a State Innovation Waiver found in section 1332 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to offer full-price health plans in Covered California to immigrants who are currently shut out of the state marketplace. California is now the first to state to apply for such a waiver since the ACA’s enactment. Momentum to sign this historic bill was bolstered by immigrant and health advocates who attended last month’s Health4All Conference & Lobby Day in Sacramento, and by statewide advocacy from community members, who called on Governor Brown to sign SB 10. The bill also builds on the recent implementation of SB 75, or “Health4All Kids,” which expands full-scope comprehensive Medi-Cal for low-income undocumented children under the age of 19. Mr. Herrera added,“YI will remain a part of the Health for All campaign to ensure the voices and perspectives of young adults and young families are included in the debate around health care in California. We will work until everyone is covered, and no Californian is locked out of healthcare because of where they were born.” Young Invincibles is a national organization committed to elevating the voices of young adults, ages 18 to 34, and expanding economic opportunity for the Millennial 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. ###