Young Adults Health Insurance

In 2006, young adults remained one of the highest uninsured groups: nearly double the overall uninsured rate. In response, Blue Cross and Blue Shield began selling a new product specifically for young adults. The product is called Simply Blue. Blue Cross discovered that the most common reasons young adults do not purchase health insurance are young adults think they are invincible and won't need health care. They aren't aware of the financial impact that an accident could have on someone without health insurance. They want some form of immediate value from a purchase, not just protection for a catastrophic event. Simply Blue addresses their need for immediate value by offering members immediate dollars to pay for office visits before their deductible must be met. Two of the plan options also offer full coverage for generic drugs.

Young Invincibility Syndrome

The sense of invincibility that some young people feel, often referred to as "young invincibility syndrome," is a psychological and cognitive phenomenon that is tied to developmental and societal factors. Here are a few potential reasons for this mindset:

1. Developmental Factors: Young people are in a stage of their lives where they are learning, growing, and generally healthy. They are developing their identities and independence, which often includes a feeling of strength and invulnerability.
2. Lack of Experience with Illness: Younger people generally have less experience with serious illness, either personally or among their peers, compared to older adults. This can contribute to a feeling that they are immune to serious health conditions.
3. Risk-taking Behavior: Adolescence and young adulthood are life stages often associated with risk-taking behavior. This is partially due to the fact that the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for decision-making and risk evaluation, is not fully developed until the mid-20s.
4. Perception of Health Care: Young people may perceive health care as something that is more relevant to older people or those with chronic conditions. They may not fully understand the value of preventive care or managing potential health risks.
5. Economic Considerations: Young adults may prioritize other financial commitments over health care, especially if they are generally healthy. They might feel that paying for health insurance is an unnecessary expense.