As young Americans transition into adulthood, one of the significant challenges they face is securing their own health insurance by the age of 26. The fortunate ones may have coverage through their jobs, but with the rise of gig employment, more individuals are finding themselves without insurance after hitting the “26 insurance cliff.”
In collaboration with The New York Times, my colleague Hannah Norman and I delved into this issue, gathering data where available and sharing personal stories from young adults. The response was overwhelming, with over 1,600 comments pouring in the day after the article was published.
Individuals like Elizabeth Mathis and Evan Pack from Salt Lake City shared their experiences, highlighting how they were able to afford insurance through Biden-era premium subsidies for plans purchased through the Affordable Care Act. These subsidies are set to expire at the end of the year, and if not extended by Congress, studies project a staggering 75% increase in premiums on average next year, leading to approximately 4 million individuals losing coverage.
The “26 insurance cliff” stemmed from a provision in the Affordable Care Act that allowed young adults to remain on their family’s plan until the age of 26. While this was a positive step forward, it inadvertently created a gap where individuals were left to navigate the complex and often unaffordable insurance market.
Although the ACA initially provided relief for many young adults, subsequent changes made by Republicans have undermined key provisions, leaving 26 as the age at which most Americans find themselves uninsured. Karen Pollitz, a former official at the Department of Health and Human Services, noted that while the ACA expanded options for young people, the reality is that the choices available can be financially devastating if one falls ill.
Moving forward, addressing the challenges faced by young adults in securing health insurance beyond the age of 26 will require a comprehensive approach that considers the impact of policy changes and the evolving landscape of healthcare in the United States.
