Young adults are sometimes called "young invincibles," because they are generally healthy and rarely anticipate future medical problems but many of them also can't afford to purchase health insurance. Young people are less likely to earn high salaries or receive health benefits through their employer.
Nearly 14 million young people ages 19 to 29 live without health insurance, the largest segment of the nation's 46 million uninsured. As the health care debate rages on in Congress, President Obama spoke to the health care concerns of young people with a speech at the University of Maryland.
In his speech, President Obama noted that his plan would require everyone to get insurance but government subsidies would be available to those who need it.
In this video, young people who would be affected by the president's health care plan speak out.
Quotes
"They're losing coverage through their parents' policy as they age. They're no longer eligible for the coverage under Medicaid that's offered to people under age 19." - Diane Rowland, Executive Vice President, Kaiser Family Foundation
"Every time I try to apply for a job, I'm always looking for the benefits packet or health care. So that is my main goal, more than even getting paid, a little bit." - Yewande Akinleye, waitress, age 22
"The health care crisis is our crisis. Giving them the facts about why that's the case, telling the stories of young Americans and their experiences in the health care system, and mobilizing our community so that our voices are heard as the decisions are being made in Washington." - Ari Matusiak, Co-Founder, Young Invicibles
Warm Up Questions
1. What is health insurance?
2. How do people get health insurance? Who pays for it?
3. What happens when you don’t have health insurance?
Discussion Questions
1. Is health insurance a fundamental right? Why or why not?
2. Did this video suprise you? Why or why not?
3. Do you feel invincible? If you were living on your own and had to pay for health insurance, would you choose to do it? Explain?
4. What are the arguments for and against the government forcing young people to get insurance?
Additional Resources
