Affordable Care Act and Access to Confidential Care for Young Adults

A major issue facing the health of both minors and young adults in this country is the often unintentional lack of confidentiality maintained in the provision of sensitive health services. Many such young persons will not seek health care if confidentiality cannot be ensured, which can have significant negative health implications. Currently, insurance companies generally send the policyholder an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) whenever a service is provided under a plan. Of primary concern is that young adults who remain on their parents' plans often forgo STD treatment and screening, as well as other sensitive services such as contraceptive services and mental health treatment, with the concern that EOBs will inform their parents, the policyholders. Furthermore, the challenges of providing confidential health care to young adults have become more prominent and concerning following the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), as adult children can now remain on their parents' plans until age 26. This policy is expected to result in record numbers of young adults remaining on their parents' health insurance plans for longer periods of time. The ACA also requires USPSTF Grade A and B preventive services to be covered by health plans without cost sharing, which includes STD screening and counseling for substance abuse and depression. While this can be expected to result in great improvements in the health of young adults, such improvements are not attainable if preventative services are not utilized. Thus, policy changes are necessary, if not inevitable, in the near future.