Obama Care and young people under 26 years of age

[Daninmo]

My understanding is that young people under 26 are covered under their parents insurance. What if their parents don't have insurance? Are their children covered somehow else?

[Freddie]

1. No unless they are under 18

Under 18 can get CHIP (thru their parents) in most states. Over 18 they can get insurance through the exchanges (with subsidies) like other adults. Or Medicaid unless you live in a state with a cruel bastard Repug governor. The ACA also allows catastrophic-only plans for under age 30.

[PoliticAverse]

2. They have to buy insurance on the exchanges (unless they have employers that offer insurance).

Those with lower incomes will be either be able to get Medicaid (in states that are implementing the ACA's
expanded Medicaid) or will be eligible for subsidies.

Health Reform for Young Adults:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/files/documents/health_reform_for_young_adults.pdf

[dkf]

3. I am wondering what happens if the parents have individual or only spousal coverage selected.

Will they be required to change to a family plan by law?

I think my plan at work has an option for spouse only and then spouse and dependents.

[Bluenorthwest]

4. Families have the option of covering 'adult children' to age 26 not the requirement to do so.

They are allowed, not compelled. They can, but they don't have to. In fact some don't need to and would not want to. I had my own insurance starting at age 20 that was far better than what my folks carried. This law would not compel me to be covered by their plan instead of my own either. It is an optional choice. Any 18 year old could also go self pay though the exchange if they wanted to and were able to. They are not required to take parental insurance.