Young adults are considered in this analysis because they are an indication of the effectiveness of health care system for youth — the ability of the nation and state to provide a healthy transition from adolescence to adult responsibilities. Young adults, by most any measure, are a group in need of public health attention. They have similar health risks of youth aged 15 to 19, only higher. They are more likely to die from unintentional motor vehicle related injuries. Motorcycle hospitalizations, which are a major cause of brain and spinal cord injury, are highest in this age group. Mortality from intentional injuries is nearly double that of adolescents, 15 to 19 years of age. Most indicative of the stress of these transition years are the high rates of suicide, homicide and poisoning from overdoses of drugs and medications among young adults.

At the same time young adults are experiencing catastrophic health events, their access to health care is more limited. They are uninsured at almost double the rate of youth (27.1 percent versus 14.8 percent for youth 10 to 17 years old in 1999). ⁽⁵⁴⁾   Though asthma remains near the top of the list (third) for hospitalizations for illness, the primary cause of hospitalization for young adults in 2000 is diabetes, which may be a reflection of a lack of insurance and less management of the disease within this age group.⁽⁵⁵⁾   While Sexually Transmitted Diseases are a large problem for adolescents, greater intimacy in sexual relationships, postponed marital commitments, and more unprotected sex creates an even greater risk of sexually transmitted diseases for this age group. ⁽⁵²⁾   Young adults with special health care needs are at risk for loss of health care access. They are no longer eligible for insurance from KidCare, family insurance policies (unless in school) or the Florida Department of Health's safety net, Children's Medical Services.

Young adults are in transition, from living in a family to taking on the responsibility of earning a living and supporting a family. Many delay this responsibility to finish their education, extending adolescence in a college or community college environment. Most work while continuing their education. College and vocational school campuses offer an important opportunity to reach this age group with insurance and public awareness.