Young Adults and Washington Healthplanfinder

Why Young Adults? Young adults (18 to 34 year olds) are disproportionately uninsured 27% of young adults are uninsured in WA, compared to 16% of all people under 65 Of the uninsured population in WA, nearly half (47%) are young adults 71% of uninsured 18-29 year olds don’t know of the new health insurance options (nationally) Sources: younginvincibles.org, Kaiser Family Foundation, Washington State Budget & Policy Center, Enroll America

Health Reform Benefits Impacting Young Adults Those under 26 can stay on parent’s plan Catastrophic plans for people under 30 Student health plans now subject to high quality standards No copays for women’s preventive care, like birth control No denials for pre-existing conditions No copays for preventive care like cancer screenings, vaccinations and check-ups Medicaid expanded: free and low-cost plans available to more people

Why Are Young Adults Uninsured? Less likely to have coverage through employers Students Work part-time or hourly-wage jobs with no health benefits When offered employer coverage, 80% sign up — about the same rate as older workers Sources: Kaiser Family Foundation, Washington Post

Young Adult Attitudes about Health Insurance Young adults want and value health insurance Three-quarters of 18-30 year olds say having insurance is something they need and is “very important” Worry about paying for both routine and catastrophic medical bills Cost is biggest barrier to getting covered Top reason younger people didn't have health coverage: perceived as too expensive Source: Kaiser Family Foundation

Financial Help Available Free and low-cost plans Individuals making up to $15,857 can qualify Family of 4 making up to $32,500 can qualify Up to 109,000 young adults in WA could now be eligible for free coverage Financial help to pay for premiums and copays Individuals making up to $45,960 can qualify Family of 4 making up to $94,200 can qualify

Messages for Young Adults Washington Healthplanfinder is the new way to find a health plan that fits your needs and budget. It’s a customer-friendly, online marketplace where you can compare health plans side by side. These apples-to-apples comparisons get rid of the fine print and make it easier to understand exactly what a plan covers and how much it costs. Now you can choose a plan based on cost, coverage, convenience or any number of factors that are important to you.

Messages for Young Adults More people than ever before will qualify for financial help to lower the cost of health coverage. An individual making up to $45,960 and a family of four making up to $94,200 can qualify for financial help to pay for health insurance. Free and low-cost health plans are also available. An individual making less than $15,857 or a family of four making less than $32,500 can qualify for free health coverage.

Messages for Young Adults If an accident or illness strikes, the quality plans on Washington Healthplanfinder can help protect you from huge medical bills. All health plans offered through Washington Healthplanfinder meet strict benefit and quality standards. All the essentials are covered, including doctor and emergency room visits, prescriptions and preventive care like cancer screenings and vaccinations. Now you can no longer be denied health coverage for being sick or having a pre-existing condition. And young adults can stay on their parent's insurance until age 26.

Messages for Young Adults Finding the right health plan can be challenging, and that’s why Washington Healthplanfinder offers help every step of the way. If you have questions about health plans or need help enrolling, Washington Healthplanfinder provides free expert customer support online, by phone or in-person through a local organization or insurance broker.

Reaching Young Adults Use the messages for young adults Ask their influencers (parents, friends, doctors, peers) to share information about Washington Healthplanfinder Reach them where they are: colleges/universities, sports leagues, arts programs, online, state agencies, faith-based organizations

Learn More wahealthplanfinder.org 1-855-WAFINDER (1-855-923-4633) TTY/TTD for the deaf: 1-855-627-9604 @WAPlanfinder Facebook.com/WAHealthplanfinder info@wahbexchange.org