On the 11th Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, 9 Million Young Adults Covered and Growing

Posted March 23, 2021
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Today marks the 11th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which was signed into law on . The ACA significantly changed the health care system in the United States by reducing the uninsured rate and reforming insurance practices that strengthened consumer protections. The ACA stands as a pillar of economic and health security for the American people, alongside Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.

Erin Hemlin, Health Policy and Advocacy Director for Young Invincibles issued the following statement:

“Eleven years ago today the Affordable Care Act was signed into law, ushering in sweeping health insurance reforms and greatly expanding health coverage to millions of Americans. Under the ACA, more than 9 million previously uninsured young Americans have gained affordable, comprehensive health insurance coverage, lowering the uninsured rate from 30 percent in 2010 to just 15 percent before the pandemic.

In addition to the tremendous gains in coverage, reduction in disparities, and stronger consumer protections created over the last 11 years, we are thrilled that President Biden and Congress have prioritized building off of the ACA through the American Rescue Plan (ARP). The ARP will help the Affordable Care Act live up to its name – greatly improving affordability for millions of Americans who purchase coverage through the individual market. But there is still more work to be done.