Young Adults Get Extension to Age 26 on Parents' Policies

For years, young adults have been a group of Americans with one of the highest rates of being uninsured, about 30 percent. They often hold entry level or part-time jobs that offer few benefits.

Many people believe that young adults don't really need insurance since they're so healthy, but studies have shown that one in six has a chronic disease and about half have problems paying medical bills.

Figure 2-1 provides data in chart form that shows some of the difficulties young adults have encountered in recent years getting good insurance and paying medical bills.

Figure 2-1. Contrary to popular belief, young people have had plenty of difficulty getting health insurance and care. Source: Commonwealth Fund.