• In the United States, 17.8 million young adults lack basic health coverage.
• Students are better able to excel when they have the health care services they need.
• Because of the Affordable Care Act, uninsured young adults and families can shop and sign up for affordable, quality health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace beginning October 1, for coverage starting as early as January 1, 2014.

Consumers can sign up for information about the Marketplace at HealthCare.gov.

• Most uninsured young adults will qualify for assistance to help pay for health coverage secured through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
• Secretary Sebelius and Young Invincibles announced the Healthy Young America Video Contest, part of an initiative to inform young people across the country about health insurance coverage and new options under the Affordable Care Act.

For contest rules, to submit a video, or to vote for a favorite video, go to www.healthyyoungamerica.org.

• The Affordable Care makes health care more affordable and accessible for millions of young adults across the country. Already, 3 million previously uninsured young adults have joined their parents’ health insurance plan.
• Many young adults may feel they can forego insurance now because they’re healthy, but we’re all just one car accident or unexpected diagnosis away from crushing medical bills if we don’t have insurance.
• Health coverage is about security, peace of mind, and good health.
• With high quality, affordable health coverage, parents can rest easy knowing their children can get the routine preventive care that keeps them healthy and the medical help they need if they get sick or injured. As parents get their young children and teens ready for school, they can get the immunizations, check-ups, eye exams, dental visits, and other care they may need to fully participate in classroom and after-school activities. Read the research brief on the Affordable Care Act and adolescents.
• Although adolescents are generally healthy, access to health care, including preventive care and health education, is important to continued good health throughout their lives.
• Nearly 10 percent of adolescents ages 12 to 17 lack health insurance. Almost 5 percent have no usual source of health care.
• If you know children who need health insurance now and can’t wait for the Marketplace, you can apply for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program at any time. Medicaid and CHIP offer free or low-cost health insurance that covers regular check-ups, immunizations, doctor and dental visits, hospital care, mental health services, prescriptions, and more.

Learn more about these options at InsureKidsNow.gov or call 1-877-KIDS-NOW.

• Nearly 10 percent of adolescents ages 12 to 17 lack health insurance. Almost 5 percent have no usual source of health care.