WASHINGTON, DC (May 27, 2010) – Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) sent a letter to Illinois’ insurance companies and major private employers that self insure (provide insurance directly to employees) urging them to immediately start offering health care reform’s dependent coverage benefit for individuals up to age 26.  More than 65 insurance companies nationally have agreed to offer this provision before the actual implementation date on September 23, 2010, which will allow children to stay on a parent’s health policy until they turn 26 years old.  Schakowsky called on all Illinois insurance providers to do the same.

“Young adults have traditionally had a hard time getting and paying for health insurance—a fact that’s been compounded by this difficult economy because jobs that provide health coverage have been scarce,” Schakowsky said. “By allowing parents to keep children up to age 26 on their insurance policies, health care reform gives young adults and their families invaluable peace of mind.”

“Not only are our early 20-somethings going without health insurance, many of our college graduates are facing a gap in health coverage this summer when their school-sponsored coverage expires,” Schakowsky added. “I urge all Illinois insurers to follow the lead of those insurers nationwide that are stepping up to provide the dependent coverage benefit now—before the September implementation date—so our young people aren’t left out in the cold any longer,” Schakowsky added.