Health care reform and young adults' access to sexual health care: an exploration of potential confidentiality implications of the affordable care act

One provision of the 2010 Affordable Care Act is extension of dependent coverage for young adults aged up to 26 years on their parent's private insurance plan. This change, meant to increase insurance coverage for young adults, might yield unintended consequences. Confidentiality concerns may be triggered by coverage through parental insurance, particularly regarding sexual health. The existing literature and our original research suggest that actual or perceived limits to confidentiality could influence the decisions of young adults about whether, and where, to seek care for sexual health issues. Further research is needed on the scope and outcomes of these concerns. Possible remedial actions include enhanced policies to protect confidentiality in billing and mechanisms to communicate confidentiality protections to young adults.