September 13,2011

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Baucus Comment on Census Bureau Health Insurance Coverage Data

MEMORANDUM

To: Reporters and Editors
From: The Communications Office of Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.)
Re: Baucus Comment on Census Bureau Health Insurance Coverage Data

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) commented today following the Census Bureau’s announcement that the number of young adults between ages 18 and 24 with health insurance jumped by more than 500,000 from 2009 to 2010.  This increase was prompted, in part, by the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) requirement that young adults remain eligible for coverage on their parents’ plans through age 26.  In 2014, the ACA’s other major coverage provisions will take effect and state-based insurance exchanges will begin operations, which will boost insurance coverage among other age groups.  After that date, 95 percent of Americans will have access to health insurance without the risk of losing coverage when they get sick or hit an arbitrary coverage cap.  Baucus was a principal architect of the Affordable Care Act in the Senate.  From Chairman Baucus:

“Millions of young people are able to remain covered by their parents’ insurance today thanks to the Affordable Care Act.  Today’s report proves the progress covering young adults on their parents’ insurance plans and shows that health reform is working.  As additional provisions kick in over the coming years, even more Americans will be covered by quality, affordable plans.”

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