Santarsiero Legislation Would Extend Health Coverage For Children

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — State Senators Steve Santarsiero (D-Bucks) and Michele Brooks (R-Mercer) are reintroducing legislation that will allow children to stay on their parent's health insurance until age 26.

Under current state law, a child can stay on their parent's insurance until they reach age 19. Senate Bill 53 weeks to increase that age to 26 to bring Pennsylvania in line with federal law.

“Access to quality, affordable health insurance is a critical right for all individuals,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “SB 53 will improve access to healthcare by allowing young adults to stay on their parent’s insurance until age 26. We have seen during the pandemic that medical treatment can be the difference between life and death, and that insurance through an employer is not a guarantee. After years of attacks on the Affordable Care Act, we must act at the state level to ensure no young Pennsylvanian must choose between healthcare and financial hardship.”

About 89,000 young adults in Pennsylvania have insurance coverage through their parent's insurance, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance.

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