Potential Favorable Impact of the Affordable Care Act of 2010 on Cancer in Young Adults in the United States

Abstract

On September 23, 2010, as a result of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), young adults throughout the United States younger than 26 years were required, with few exceptions, to have health insurance for the first time under a parent's insurance if the policy allows for dependent coverage. The ACA also provides for elimination of coverage denial for having had a previous diagnosis of cancer or other preexisting conditions as a result of the cancer and its therapy, provision of a minimum health benefits package including preventive services and professional counseling for obesity, alcohol and substance dependence, physical activity, and nutrition improvement. How these changes and the multiple other provisions of the ACA will affect young adults during the next decade is uncertain, but it has the potential to lead to earlier diagnosis of cancer, less invasive cancer therapy, better quality of survival, and higher cure rates. In the long run, it may also help prevent cancer, at least among the country's older population. A realistic appraisal of the obstacles to the implementation of the ACA in the age group may compromise many of the desired outcomes, however. Nonetheless, ACA has provisions that should reduce the cancer problem in young adult Americans, some of which are now in effect and most of which will become available during the current decade.