21,000 More of New Mexico's Young People Now Have Access to Health Care Thanks to Affordable Care Act

Nationwide health care law has helped 2.5 million young adults

For Immediate Release Contact: Scott Forrester

December 15, 2011 505-934-5681

Albuquerque, NM – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), President Obama's Affordable Care Act has significantly increased the number of young adults who have health insurance.

Before the Affordable Care Act, more young Americans lacked health insurance than any other age group – accounting for more than one in five of the uninsured. Going without insurance puts the health and finances of millions of young people at risk. Studies show that nearly half of uninsured young adults reported problems paying their medical bills and others forwent regular care including checkups or recommended screenings due to cost.

President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act to put affordable, quality health insurance back within reach of all Americans. Thanks to the new law, young adults can now stay on their parents’ plan up to age 26.

The CDC recently announced that 2.5 million young adults now have health coverage, thanks to the Affordable Care Act. In New Mexico alone, an estimated 21,000 young New Mexicans now have access to health care because of the new law.

Below is a statement from Javier Gonzales, Chairman of the Democratic Party of New Mexico:

“Because of President Obama’s Affordable Care Act, an estimated 21,000 young New Mexicans have access to quality health care who did not have it before the law. Millions across the country are no longer being forced to ignore health problems and forgo treatment because of out-of-pocket costs, nor face years of debt stemming from medical problems or accidents. These young New Mexicans can finally lead healthier, safer lives.”

“Republicans attacking health care reform are ignoring the good it does for young adults. Children are our future, and Republicans should acknowledge the Affordable Care Act has considerably improved our kids' well-being.”

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