OPINION:
A recent Gallup survey found that the number of uninsured Americans increased by 2 million this year (“U.S. uninsured up by 2M this year as gains erode: Survey,” Web, July 10). Coverage losses were most prominent among young adults.
Young adults need insurance — and the insurance market needs young adults. Not only is it risky to forego coverage, but the participation of young people in the insurance market helps keep premiums balanced. The Senate’s proposed health-care-reform bill is far from perfect. But it would most certainly encourage more young adults to sign up for coverage by reducing the premiums they would pay. If more young, healthy adults entered the insurance pool, premiums would drop for everyone else, too.
JANET TRAUTWEIN
CEO, National Association of Health Underwriters
Washington
Please read our comment policy before commenting.