Legislation Extending Affordable Health Insurance Coverage to Young Adults Through the Age of 29 is Signed by Governor Paterson

Thursday July 30, 2009

(Albany, New York)- As chair of the Insurance Committee, Senator Neil D. Breslin (D-Delmar) is pleased to announce legislation (S6030) he sponsored has been signed by Governor Paterson. This legislation improves access to affordable health insurance for young adults between the ages of 19-29.

Under existing law many young adults between the ages of 19-29 lost their health care coverage at the age of 19 or age 23 upon graduating from college. This left many young adults uninsured or without access to affordable health insurance, comprising 31% of New York State’s total uninsured population. This bill provides a means to eradicate this problem by requiring commercial insurers, non-profit corporations and HMOs to offer an option to continue coverage for unmarried young adults through age 29, regardless of financial dependence under a parent’s group health insurance policy. It also extends a COBRA-like benefit to this young adult population.

“During this legislative session I have sponsored various bills which have been aimed at making health insurance more affordable for all New Yorkers” said State Senator Breslin. “This measure targets those in the 19-29 age bracket who as young adults are often unable to afford individual direct payment insurance and frequently choose to go uninsured.”