The Hidden Barrier: Why Youth Don’t Know How to Access Healthcare

At Bridge Care Connections, we are committed to closing the gap in youth health literacy and improving access to care.

A growing number of young people are entering adulthood without the basic skills needed to navigate the healthcare system—starting with something as simple as scheduling a doctor’s appointment. While this may seem minor, research shows it is part of a much larger issue: low health literacy.

Health literacy refers to a person’s ability to find, understand, and use health information and services to make appropriate health decisions. Unfortunately, this is an area where many young people struggle. Studies show that at least 1 in 3 adolescents and young adults have low health literacy, limiting their ability to manage their own care  .

This gap has real consequences. Only 67.3% of younger adults report having an annual check-up, compared to much higher rates in older populations, suggesting younger individuals are less likely to engage with routine healthcare. One contributing factor is a lack of confidence and knowledge in navigating healthcare systems—such as making appointments, understanding insurance, or communicating with providers.

Even more concerning, only 12% of Americans have proficient health literacy, meaning the vast majority struggle to fully understand and use healthcare systems effectively. For youth transitioning into independence, this creates a critical gap at the exact moment they are expected to take control of their own health.

Qualitative research also shows that adolescents face confusion around medical terminology, systems, and processes, which directly impacts their ability to seek care  . In some cases, young people report difficulty even understanding how or when to make an appointment, leading to delays in care or reliance on emergency services instead  .

Why This Matters

When youth don’t know how to schedule a doctor’s appointment, it’s not just a missed call—it’s a missed opportunity for prevention, early intervention, and long-term health outcomes. Without these foundational skills, young people are more likely to:

• Delay seeking care

• Mismanage chronic conditions

• Experience worse overall health outcomes

The Solution

Addressing this issue requires more than access—it requires education and empowerment. Teaching youth how to:

• Schedule appointments

• Communicate with providers

• Understand healthcare systems

This is essential to building a healthier, more equitable future. These gaps can lead to delayed treatment and long-term health consequences.

By providing education, resources, and support, we aim to empower youth with the confidence and knowledge they need to take control of their health.

Explore our website to learn more about our work and how you can get involved. If you believe in advancing health equity and expanding access to care, please consider making a donation to support our mission.

Your support helps us continue bridging the gap between awareness and action.

TOGETHER WE BRIDGE.