For many students, college is both an exciting and frightening entry into the “real-world,” devoid of parental dependence but also lacking general guidance and financial stability.
Along with this transition comes a potential detachment from a stable health care plan. Although some may be lucky enough to stay on their parents’ health care plan throughout their education, a majority of students are left to fend for themselves when they move out, or after they graduate.
At an Oct. 13 press conference, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi made it clear that she wants to change this.
Pelosi, joined by more than 20 national youth advocacy coalitions, announced her plan to insert into the House health care bill provisions that would allow young adults to stay on their parents’ health care plan until they are 26 years old.
“Just think of the difference that this would make for young people,” Pelosi said at the meeting. “They’ll be able to do what they want to do without having to find a job that has health care benefits.”
Pelosi said currently one in three Americans between the ages of 19 to 29 is uninsured. This trend is not only due to youth being uncovered by their parents’ plans, but also because they tend to work in low-paying, entry level jobs that do not provide health benefits.
University freshman Tyler Asla, while on his parents’ health care plan, sees this addition as a relief.
“It’s great knowing that when I’m out of college and off my parents’ plan there will be an easier transition into finding affordable health care,” Asla said.
Critics of the idea question how the plan will save money for this age group, arguing the entire Democratic health care plan led by Pelosi focuses on cutting back costs for older customers and funneling the costs to the younger customers.
Children up to the age of 23 who remain unmarried may be covered under their parents’ health care in Oregon, one in 25 states that offer coverage past the child’s 19th birthday.
“Young adults are the most uninsured group in the country,” Pelosi said. “Once they enter the workforce, they face new obstacles to getting insurance.  Today, they are speaking out and their voices are being heard.”
Student Democrats from 30 states attended the event and spoke about personal health care issues and their support of the extension.
Ryan McCarrel, president of University Democrats, said the bill covers a very moral and necessary issue, yet still does not solve the country’s health care problems.
“If a person is lucky enough to have parents that have a plan or are willing to include them on their plan, this bill will be very beneficial,” McCarrel said. “Unfortunately, there are millions of people in our age group not so fortunate. This is a short-term solution.”
The House is currently working with the Senate to mold its individual health care plans to submit a final adoption. Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), a supporter of the age extension, said he sees the bill passing successfully.
“The public gets it, they’re supporting it and I think the support here in Congress will follow,” he said.
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