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 Free and low-cost plans available to more people 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

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 $16,105 can qualify Family of four making up to $32,913 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 $46,680 can qualify Family of four making up to $95,400 can qualify

Messages for Young Adults More than 85% of people who signed up for a new health plan on Washington Healthplanfinder got financial help. An individual making up to $46,680 and a family of four making up to $95,400 can get financial help to pay for health insurance. An individual making less than $16,105 or a family of four making less than $32,913 can get free health coverage. Young adults can stay on their parents’ insurance until age 26.

Messages for Young Adults Washington Healthplanfinder helps you find a health plan that fits your needs and budget. It’s a customer-friendly, online marketplace. You can compare health insurance plans side by side without the guesswork and fine print. More than one million people have signed up for a health plan through Washington Healthplanfinder.

Messages for Young Adults Health coverage can help protect you from huge medical bills. If an accident or illness strikes, a quality health plan can help protect you from huge medical bills. 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.

Messages for Young Adults You can get free, expert help signing up for a health plan. Local experts can help you understand your health plan options. They can also help you sign up for a plan. You can get help on the phone or in person. Go to wahealthplanfinder.org to find a navigator or health insurance broker near you. Or call 1-855-WAFINDER (1-855-923-4633).

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 customersupport@wahbexchange.org