NCHS data brief
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Data from the National Health Interview Survey: 2008. Almost 13 million young adults aged 20-29 years did not have health insurance coverage in 2008 (30%). Young men aged 20-29 years were 36% more likely than young women of that age to be uninsured. ⋯ 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).