Following the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act's provision allowing young Americans to remain on their parents' insurance plans, more young adults are seeking preventative screenings, potentially preventing more serious future health problems, according to a study from JAMA Pediatrics.
Researchers ascertained that between 2009 and 2011, routine checkups for young adults increased 3 percent and dental visits increased 5 percent. However, the group of individuals 18 to 25 years old is lagging behind in flu shots.
"This study shows us, basically, if we remove the financial barrier, young adults will actually take us up on getting the care they need…As we start analyzing data from 2012, 2013 and 2014, we will likely see a further uptick in the number of young people getting preventative care," said Josephine Lau, MD, one of the leaders of the study, to NPR.
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