Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) released figures highlighting how, under the Affordable Care Act, over 357,000 young Texans and 3 million young adults nationally have gained insurance because they can now stay on their parents’ health plans until their 26th birthday.

“It used to be the case that many insurance companies would kick young adults off of their parents’ health plans on their 19th birthday or when they stopped being a full-time student,” said Congressman Cuellar.  “For many young adults, this is the time when they need the stability of being able to stay on their parents’ plans the most as they transition in and out of school or jobs.  Now, because of the Affordable Care Act, young Texans and their families will have the security and flexibility of continued health coverage.”

Additionally, many young adults will be newly eligible for Medicaid thanks to the opportunity provided by the Affordable Care Act to states to expand eligibility to all adults with incomes below 133% of poverty (about $15,000 for an individual). And many more young adults will be eligible for tax credits to help purchase affordable health plans through the new Marketplace. In fact, nearly 5 in 10 single, uninsured young adults eligible for plans in the Marketplace may be able to purchase a plan for $50 per month or less after tax credits and nearly 7 in 10 may be able to pay $100 or less for coverage in 2014. Importantly, due to the ACA, none of these young adults will have to worry about being denied coverage due to a pre-existing condition like asthma or diabetes.