America’s young adults view themselves as young, healthy, and invincible. Young adults between the ages of 19 and 29 make up a huge percentage of those who are uninsured. While most simply cannot afford the cost of health insurance, they rationalize their inability by assuming they will not become ill anytime in the near future. But the young adults of the US are vulnerable to many types of illnesses. Even though some choose not to buy into health insurance at their youthful and healthy age, many suffer injuries from car accidents; they also run a high risk of substance abuse. Risks like alcohol abuse, tobacco use, and eating disorders are at their peak for young adults. Young females in their early twenties also run a high risk of pregnancy.

        Most of these young adults who are just beginning their careers in entry-level positions are not usually offered health benefits and most other young adults have to deal with a high transit job market where most employers no longer offer health benefits to new employees. Many other adults simply cannot afford to purchase individual health insurance at the early point in their careers. While these young adults are viewed as invincible and unbreakable, they often suffer from injuries or illnesses that set them far back in debt. The absence of health insurance from their young lives will surely create a great burden if they face any health issues.