Access to and Utilization of Medical Care for Young Adults Aged 20–29 Years: United States, 2008

Health insurance status is a primary indicator of access to medical care in the United States. Historically, in the United States, lack of health insurance coverage has been highest among younger adults (1). In 2008, young adults in the United States aged 20–29 years were almost twice as likely (31%) as adults aged 30–64 years (17%) to lack health insurance coverage. As young adults transition into the workforce, they may be dropped from public health coverage at age 19 or from their parents’ policies upon high school or college graduation (2). The low wages or temporary jobs typically available to young adults upon graduation often come with limited or no health benefits. Young adulthood is a high-risk period for unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, substance abuse, and injuries (3). Pregnancy rates are highest among women aged 20–29 years, which is directly related to the need for health care services (4). Disruption of health insurance coverage can introduce barriers to health care and leave young adults vulnerable to high out-of-pocket expenses in the event of a serious illness or injury (5).