Beginning Thursday, new reforms under the Affordable Care Act that was signed into law by President Barack Obama six months ago begin to take effect.
Among the changes: young people can remain on their parents' health insurance policies until they're 26 years old. Previously, children typically lost their insurance on their 18th birthday.
The change brings a sense of relief, according to a random sampling of students at Columbia College, where student after student either had an insurance story themselves or knew someone who had wrestled with the problem.
"It makes me a little less worried about one of the many aspects of finding a job", says 21-year-old Hallie Zipper, who graduates in May. "I know that it's OK if I get sick after May 16th, I'd still be covered by my parents insurance."
For more information, see the Young Person's Guide to Health Insurance from the Illinois Public Interest Research Group. The federal website HealthCare.gov also explains the protections and options afforded to young people.
HealthCare.gov
