'Tis the season when we take stock of the year that is drawing to a close. While 2011 has been a fraught with economic and political challenges, there have also been some important accomplishments. See, for example, my colleague Rachel Fey's reflection on the omnibus appropriations bill and The National Campaign's list of 11 happy things that happened in 2011. Well, here's one more big thing to celebrate that has not gotten much attention: millions more young adults now have health insurance coverage!

Recent data from the National Center for Health Statistics show that the extension of dependent coverage up to age 26, which was part of the Affordable Care Act, led directly to 2.5 million additional 19 - 25 year olds with insurance coverage. Particularly striking is that the percentage of young adults with insurance grew from 64% to 73% between September 2010 and June 2011, while insurance coverage for 26 - 35 year olds held steady. Also noteworthy: the increase in coverage was due entirely to an increase in private health insurance (specifically, young adults staying on their parents' private plans). In other words, the policy change made a dramatic and positive difference. Of course it is troubling that one-quarter of young adults still don't have health insurance--and groups like the Young Invincibles are working hard to address this. But, this is a huge step in the right direction for the folks who have historically been least likely to have health insurance (PDF).

One of the things this new coverage means is that many more young adults now have access to contraception that will help them delay pregnancy until they are ready to become parents. Eight in 10 young adults think it is important to avoid getting pregnant/getting someone pregnant at this point in their lives (PDF). But, they may still face high co-pays and deductibles for contraception, putting some of the most effective methods of birth control out of reach. So, as we look ahead, here's hoping that millions of young adults (and not so young adults) will soon have access to a full range of FDA-approved contraceptive services with no co-pays or deductibles, just like other vital preventive services. Now that would really be worth celebrating!

"Champagne tower" image by Kenichi Nobusue.