Age 26 Dependent Issue — Secretary Sebelius Message

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: HHS Press Office

Monday, April 19, 2010   (202) 690-6343

Statement from HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on Expedited Efforts By HHS To Work With Insurers to Voluntarily Provide Coverage for Graduating College Seniors and Young Adults under Age Twenty-Six in Advance of September Start Date in New Law

Expanding the opportunity for younger Americans to get insurance coverage is a top priority for the Administration. The Affordable Care Act offers the option for most children under the age of 26 to stay on their parents’ policy. This is a group of people who have traditionally either been unable to afford coverage or have not had access to it.

Following our initial conversations and outreach to insurers, we are encouraged by the actions of WellPoint, United Healthcare, and other companies to bridge the gap between now and the fall when the law becomes effective.

We are also working hard with other insurers on similar proposals and sent a letter today offering to work with each of them to expand this opportunity even further. The letter follows productive discussions with insurers since the bill passed about closing the gap in coverage for college graduates or young adults whose birthday in 2010 made them ineligible to continue on their parents’ plans.

If you have any questions please let us know.

Rachel

Rachel B. Morgan RN, BSN

Senior Health Policy Specialist

State Federal Relations

National Conference of State Legislatures

444 North Capitol Street N.W., Suite 515

Washington, D.C. 20001

(202) 624-3569

rachel.morgan@ncsl.org