Using data from 2003 to 2007, a Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) brief released March 19 examines trends in insurance coverage among young adults who age out of Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) after turning 19 years old.  The KFF finds that 42 percent of those enrolled in Medicaid as children become uninsured and only 10 percent receive coverage through private health insurance.  The KFF also notes that the recession is increasing the uninsurance rate for youth aging out of Medicaid and suggests that states increase Medicaid eligibility to counter this trend until national health care reforms take effect.

From the report:

Young adults who lose Medicaid or CHIP coverage after turning 19 are in danger of becoming uninsured and losing access to their health providers and the medical treatments they may need. The current recession likely leaves these young adults particularly vulnerable to becoming uninsured given the increased difficultly they now face finding employment. While the latest data on young adults is still being compiled, this study uses the most recent available data to illustrate patterns of coverage after children on Medicaid turn 19. These data from 2003 to 2007 demonstrate the challenges these young adults face finding and keeping coverage once they turn 19.

Full report: Aging Out of Medicaid: What is the Risk of Becoming Uninsured? (PDF | 692.37 KB)

Kaiser Family Foundation. (2010). Aging out of Medicaid: What is the risk of becoming uninsured?