BYNUM INTRODUCES BILL TO EXPAND HEALTHCARE COVERAGE FOR YOUNG AMERICANS

The following information was released by the office of Oregon Rep. Janelle Bynum:

Today, Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) and Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) introduced the Launching with Healthcare Act to allow young adults to remain on a parent's health insurance plan through age 30. Under the Affordable Care Act, the current age cut-off is set at 26, assuming that most young adults would have settled into careers offering employer-sponsored insurance by 26. However, 15 percent of 26-year-old Americans are uninsured the highest uninsured rate at any age.

Just last year, Republicans cut roughly $1 billion in federal healthcare spending in their One Big Ugly Bill, which Rep. Bynum voted against. Nearly 7.5 million Americans will lose their health insurance because of these cuts, including roughly 200,000 Oregonians. They also refused to extend the ACA enhanced Premium Tax Credits, which has left Oregon marketplace enrollment down by 18%, while average premiums after financial assistance jumped from $272 to $426 per month.

The Launching with Healthcare Act would amend the Public Health Service Act by increasing the maximum age for required dependent coverage from 26 to 31, meaning coverage would remain available for young adults through age 30, giving young people a more realistic path to transition to health insurance of their own.

"Let's be serious: In this economy, young people aren't magically financially secure the day they turn 26," said Rep. Bynum. "In Oregon, they're getting crushed by rent, groceries, student loans, and healthcare costs. Young people are trying to build a stable future in an outdated system that no longer works. This bill gives the next generation a little more breathing room to build their careers, save money, and actually get ahead."

"Everything is more expensive right nowrent, groceries, healthcare, all of itand young people are trying to find stable jobs while figuring out how to build a life," said Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost. "At 26, most people are still getting their lives in order. We shouldn't make them take on another burden by taking away their health insurance. The Launching with Healthcare Act gives young adults more time to get established and one less thing to worry about."

The bill is also cosponsored by Reps. Clarke (D-NY), Norton (D-DC), Wilson (D-FL), Dingell (D-MI), Johnson (D-GA), Dexter (D-OR), Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Carson (D-IN), Simon (D-CA), Latimer (D-NY), Deluzio (D-PA), Tokuda (D-HI), Green (D-TX), Grijalva (D-AZ), and Carter (D-LA).

This legislation is supported by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Young Invincibles, Mental Health America, Disability Rights Oregon, NAMI Oregon, and the Oregon Public Health Association.

"Simply turning 26 should not mean losing access to mental health care," said Hannah Wesolowski, Chief Advocacy Officer at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)."For young adults, this gap in insurance coverage can mean a gap in care, creating unnecessary barriers to mental health care at a time when many are already navigating major life transitions. The Launching with Healthcare Act would give young adults additional time to secure stable coverage and maintain access to the mental health care they need at a critical point in their life. NAMI thanks Rep. Bynum and Rep. Frost for their efforts to ensure that young people can prioritize their health without facing unnecessary barriers to coverage."

"For young adults with disabilities, aging out of a parent's health plan at 26 can mean losing the providers and medications they depend on and falling into medical debt just as they're trying to launch their careers. The Launching with Healthcare Act closes that gap and protects continuity of care. Disability Rights Oregon is proud to support it, and we thank Representative Bynum for her leadership," said Jake Cornett, Executive Director and CEO, Disability Rights Oregon.

"At a time when young people are navigating an affordability crisis, it is cruel to also saddle them with the growing cost of health care. This important legislation gives young adults a way to keep their health insurance without robbing them of their financial futures. Young Invincibles was founded during the push to expand coverage for young adults, and we will never give up the fight for affordable health care. We are proud to support this legislation from Rep. Bynum, and look forward to working with her to keep young people covered for longer," said Marilyn Cabrera, Young Invincibles Federal Policy and Advocacy Manager for Health Care.

"Access to mental health services is dependent on maintaining health insurance coverage. This legislation would ensure that young people in Oregon stay insured during a stage in life filled with transitions that put them at risk of losing coverage entirely," said Chris Bouneff, Executive Director, NAMI Oregon.

"Young adults face the highest rates of mental health and substance use conditions of any age group, and are also facing record levels of unemployment. Mental Health America is happy to support the Launching With Healthcare Act, which would bridge lifesaving insurance coverage for young people during this critical period," said Caren Howard, senior director of policy and advocacy at Mental Health America. "In addition, recent data indicates that many people on Medicaid work for large employers that do not offer health insurance. Allowing young people to remain on their parents' private insurance through age 30 could address this important gap, supporting their ability to work, build their career, or access higher education."

The Launching with Healthcare Act would:

Allow young adults to remain covered under a parent's health insurance plan through age 30.

Help prevent disruptions in care and preserve access to existing doctors, specialists, medications, and mental health providers.

Give young adults additional time to obtain stable employment and employer-sponsored insurance without facing a sudden gap in coverage.

Reduce the risk that young adults will become uninsured, enroll in inadequate plans, delay necessary care, or incur unaffordable medical debt.

Apply to health plan years beginning after December 31, 2026.

Earlier this year, Congresswoman Bynum announced her K-30 agenda a platform focused on supporting young Americans by strengthening our education system, ensuring a strong job market, and lowering the cost of housing. This legislation supports her K-30 agenda by giving the next generation more stable opportunities to get on their feet.

The text of the bill is available HERE.