FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 12, 2024
Contact: Emma Bittner
(972) 510-3395 | Emma.Bittner@younginvincibles.org
New Year, New Health Care
National Youth Enrollment Day Helps Young Adults Find Affordable Health Coverage
(Washington, DC) – Today, Young Invincibles and partners are celebrating National Youth Enrollment Day (NYED) – a day of action to get the word out to young adults about their affordable health coverage options.
The 11th annual open enrollment has already had significant enrollment due to pandemic provisions ending and millions losing their Medicaid. As of December 15th, a record number, 15 million, had enrolled in coverage, 33% more than last year. National Youth Enrollment Day acts as a catalyst for young adults to enroll in coverage and ensure they have the necessary tools to find a plan that works for them.
Young Invincibles is celebrating NYED by hosting an Instagram Live with Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, highlighting the importance of young adults enrolling in coverage and the options available through the ACA marketplace during the current open enrollment period.
The deadline to enroll in coverage is January 16th.
In response, Mina Schultz, Health Policy and Advocacy Manager at Young Invincibles said:
“Affordable health care is essential, especially for young adults. National Youth Enrollment Day helps young people navigate the ACA marketplace and ensure coverage for the following year.
We have already seen record enrollment numbers this year and are optimistic the trend will continue with young adults. Finding health coverage that works for you can be overwhelming and confusing; with NYED, we aim to connect young adults with critical tools and information and Navigators to help streamline the process.
We encourage young adults to connect with their local Navigator to get answers to their questions and learn more about their coverage options. You can find a Navigator in your area by visiting GetCoveredAmerica.org. The deadline to enroll in coverage is January 16th.”
Alex Soltany, National Youth Advisory Board alum and medical student who is also pursuing a Masters of Public Health said:
“As a young, healthy man in my twenties, I never expect anything to happen to me. I’ve often felt invincible. After all, growing up, I had only visited the doctor for annual checkups, routine vaccinations, and the occasional strep test. As an adult, I’ve stayed on my parent’s health insurance coverage thanks to the Affordable Care Act, but not everyone can exercise that privilege.
The Affordable Care Act (or ACA) has been revolutionary for young people. Since the ACA was signed into law in 2010, we have seen a significant increase in access to reproductive care, mental health care, preventive care, and contraceptives. Furthermore, those with pre-existing conditions can no longer be denied coverage. By 2016, 6.1 million young adults had gained health care coverage under the ACA, and this number has only continued to grow. For young adults, this access to health coverage is essential and can have pronounced effects on long-term health outcomes.
These marketplaces, created under the ACA, have been instrumental in ensuring that people have access to quality health care when they need it. The ACA has made it easier than ever before for young people to get covered at reasonable rates. Shoppers have until January 16th to purchase their plans, so be sure to act quickly if your employer does not offer you coverage.”
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Young Invincibles (YI) is a national advocacy and policy nonprofit organization focused on amplifying the voice of young people in the political process at the local, state, and federal levels. YI focuses on issues impacting young adults ages 18 to 34 in higher education, health care, economic security, and civic engagement. Our offices include Washington, D.C., California, Colorado, Illinois, New York, and Texas. For more information, please contact Emma Bittner at (972) 510-3395 or emma.bittner@younginvincibles.org