Preventive Care: Why It Matters For Young Adults And Those Managing Chronic Conditions

As Open Enrollment approaches, Florida residents are reviewing their health insurance options for 2027. Beyond the process of choosing a plan, there's a deeper conversation happening about why having health insurance — and using it for preventive care — matters at every stage of life.

For younger adults and those managing chronic conditions, preventive care isn't just nice-to-have. It's a foundation for staying healthy and catching problems early, when they're easier and less expensive to treat.

The care gap that can result in serious health issues

The reality is sobering: More than 1 in 4 young adults don't have a primary care doctor, according to a recent national survey by the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. And among Gen Z adults who do have a doctor, most skip scheduled checkups. Only 47% of 18- to 29-year-olds said they've had an annual wellness visit in the past year.1

This gap is concerning because preventive care, like routine checkups, screenings, and vaccinations, can prevent serious health issues before they start. Certain measures, like breast cancer screenings and flu vaccines, have been shown to help prevent up to 100,000 deaths per year.2

“These statistics tell us that too many young adults are putting off the care that could keep them healthy or catch serious problems early,” said Jason Delimitros, executive vice president of government relations for GuideWell. “When people have the right information about their health, they’re empowered to make choices that help them stay healthy, prevent disease, and live the life they want.” 

Chronic conditions are more common than you might think

The preventive care challenge extends beyond young adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 6 in 10 young adults aged 18 to 34 are living with at least one chronic condition. That's a significant increase from 52.5% in 2013 to 59.5% in 2023.3 For those managing conditions like diabetes, asthma, or heart disease, regular preventive appointments and consistent medication management are essential.

Early detection saved her life

Barbara K., a Florida Blue member, learned firsthand how important preventive care can be. During a visit to her local Florida Blue Center in Clearwater, a community specialist encouraged Barbara to take advantage of a mobile mammography screening happening that day. Barbara was busy and hesitant, but she decided to go ahead with the screening.

The mammogram flagged an abnormal result, and Barbara moved quickly to get the care she needed. Early detection helped her beat breast cancer. "If it wasn't for him and the mammography bus, I may not have caught the issue in time," Barbara said.

Preventive care is covered at no extra cost

Individual Marketplace health insurance plans cover preventive services like annual wellness checkups, vaccinations, and cancer screenings for a $0 copay. This removes a major barrier to staying healthy.

For young adults just starting out, health insurance also provides peace of mind. Accidents and unexpected illnesses happen. Something as simple as treating a broken leg can cost up to $7,500 without insurance.4 But with coverage, there’s a cap on the person’s out-of-pocket costs.

Young adults can stay on their parents’ Individual Marketplace plan until age 26. After that, they can get their own coverage — often with financial help available (called subsidies) to offset monthly costs.

Getting expert guidance

Choosing the right health insurance plan doesn't have to be complicated. Licensed Florida Blue agents are available at no extra cost. They can explain options, answer questions, and help connect individuals to available financial assistance.

Individuals can learn the details about Open Enrollment for Individual Marketplace health insurance plans by visiting FloridaBlue.com/StayCovered.

Sources:

1The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center: https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/mediaroom/pressreleaselisting/primary-care-101 

2Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: https://www.cms.gov/cciio/resources/fact-sheets-and-faqs/preventive-care-background

3Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2025/24_0539.htm 

4HealthCare.gov: https://www.healthcare.gov/why-coverage-is-important/protection-from-high-medical-costs/