Spike in US young health coverage

President Obama signs the Affordable Care Act in March 2010 President Obama's health care law has come under several legal challenges

Nearly one million young in the US have gained health insurance within the past year, two surveys have shown.

Overall, though, the numbers of people without health insurance increased. Until now, 18-to-25-year-olds have been the most likely to be uninsured.

Healthcare policy is an emotive issue in the US, with Republicans strongly opposed to President Barack Obama's 2010 healthcare law.

Under the law, aged under 26 can now be covered by their parents' plans.

The age-specific provision went into effect in September 2010, but many insurance companies implemented the change earlier.

The surveys were carried out by the Centers for Disease Control and by Gallup, a polling organisation.

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