CONGRESSMAN VIC SNYDER INTRODUCES BILL TO PROVIDE HEALTH INSURANCE TO YOUNG ADULTS WASHINGTON, D.C. - United States Representative Vic Snyder (AR-02) introduced the Medicaid/SCHIP Optional Coverage for Young Adults Act late Thursday, September 25. The legislation would provide federal funding to allow states to extend coverage to young adults under Medicaid and SCHIP who are ineligible for the programs because of age and financial standards.
Young adults comprise a disproportionately large share of the nation's uninsured. According to a recent study by the Commonwealth Fund, young adults account for 12 million of the 41 million people who lack health insurance. This is nearly 30 percent of all uninsured nationwide, despite the fact that this age group represents just 15 percent of the population. More than half of all young adults living in poverty are without health insurance. In Arkansas, according to the CDC Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System, over the past three years an average of 46,795 people aged 19-22 did not have health insurance. Based on US Census data, this means that almost 32% of the Arkansas population age 19-22 is left without health insurance each year.
"In our enthusiasm to adequately meet the health care needs of senior citizens, we must not neglect the demographic that has one of the highest percentages of uninsured," Congressman Vic Snyder said. "Young adults are at great risk of ignoring health needs and incurring great debt because of their lack of health insurance."
While young adults are usually a healthy group, going without health insurance introduces barriers to care when it is needed, and leaves young adults and their families at risk for high out-of-pocket costs in the event of severe illness or injury. Young adults, particularly women, need regular preventative care. Pregnancies, HIV, injuries, and chronic diseases bring large numbers of young adults to hospitals.
States provide health care coverage to low-income uninsured children largely through two federal-state programs-Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). These public programs often reclassify children as adults when they turn 19, making them ineligible for coverage. Congressman Snyder's bill would permit states to cover low-income youth under Medicaid and SCHIP up to age 23. It would offer states an enhanced federal match for the programs in order to encourage participation.
Six Members of Congress have signed on to Snyder's bill as cosponsors: Reps. Allen of Maine, Hinchey of New York, Serrano of New York, Ross of Arkansas, McDermott of Washington, and Emanuel of Illinois.
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