Like most young people, I like to believe I’m invincible. Every so often, though, an e-mail shows up in my inbox that reminds me I’m not. Another twenty something acquaintance has suffered a ski accident, appendectomy or electric-saw mishap. The worst reports share a line: “He doesn’t have health insurance.” Then I know this young person is not only in pain, he’s also wincing as his hospital time ticks by at $7,000 per day.
At least these young people can take comfort that they’re not alone. A third of Americans ages 21-24 lack health insurance, more than any other demographic. A quarter of those ages 25-34 do without.
Given hospital costs these days, it’s not surprising that young people and their families are agitating for government to “do something.” Some states are listening. New Jersey legislators, for instance, passed a law this spring that lets certain residents stay on their parents’ plans until age 30. In theory, raising the age of dependency could reduce the coverage gap.
