August 8, 2025
SAHM is proud to announce the publication of a new position paper “Protecting Financial Access to Health Care for Adolescents and Young Adults.” Published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, this paper affirms SAHM’s position that health care is a fundamental human right and outlines the critical role of public funding in ensuring access to comprehensive, developmentally appropriate services for all adolescents and young adults (AYAs) – particularly those who are low-income or otherwise marginalized.
SAHM’s Core Positions:
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Health care is a fundamental human right that must be protected for all adolescents and young adults (AYAs) to promote their health and well-being.
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Ensuring access to health care for AYAs requires public funding for the full range of health services necessary to meet the needs of all AYAs.
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Public funding of health care for low-income AYAs should include public health insurance coverage, financial support for private health insurance, and direct funding of essential AYA health services.
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The ability of health care professionals and facilities to provide and sustain high-quality comprehensive health care for AYAs depends on the continued availability and sufficiency of public funding.
Amid current threats to health care financing in the U.S. and globally, this paper provides a timely, evidence-based framework for policymakers, clinicians, and advocates working to ensure equitable access to care.
Please share widely to support this critical advocacy and policy effort.