More than 16 Million Insured Since Affordable Care Act Passage
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ABC News(WASHINGTON) — Just one week away from the five-year anniversary of the Affordable Care Act’s passage, the Department of Health and Human Services announced that about 16.4 million uninsured people have gained health coverage since the law’s passage. The report, released Monday, marks the largest change in the uninsured numbers in four decades.
“Because of the Affordable Care Act young adults are able to stay on their parents’ plans until age 26, states can expand their Medicaid programs, and tax credits are available to millions of Americans in all 50 states, making health care coverage more affordable and accessible,” HHS Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell said in a department release.
Burwell added that evidence shows that Obamacare is “working,” regarding affordability, access and quality health services. This may be true, particularly for young adults. The Health Department states that an estimated 5.7 million young adults gained health coverage between 2010 and March 4, 2015.
The report said health coverage gains were especially strong in Medicaid expansion states and concentrated among middle and low income groups. Changes were small and even nonexistent, however, among higher income households.
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