The Affordable Care Act and implications for young adult health

In the USA, young adults are most likely to be uninsured and least likely to report a usual source of medical care than any age group. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) recognizes the critical need for expanded insurance coverage for this age group, and multiple provisions of the ACA address insurance coverage and health care utilization in young adults. This paper presents a brief overview of the challenges of maintaining health insurance coverage and accessing health care in young adults, provisions of the ACA relevant to young adults, and early impact of the ACA on young adult health insurance status and health care access and utilization. We offer policy suggestions for behavioral health providers to address continued challenges related to health care for young adults.