However, adolescents face numerous barriers to receiving proper care and are inexperienced in utilizing the health care system. Adolescents face significant financial barriers to health care. The system may be an overwhelming experience that deters or delays care for adolescents first trying to use health services independently. Over half of all adolescent mothers receive inadequate prenatal care. - Adolescents who received inadequate prenatal care are more likely to describe confusion about available services and medical coverage, have a negative opinion of physicians, and consider prenatal care as unimportant. They are also delayed in recognizing or acknowledging their pregnancy.
Poverty is the single most important factor affecting the health status of adolescents.
Adolescents, age 15-19, are more likely than any other age group to be uninsured or underinsured. Youths comprise nearly one third of the 37 million Americans without insurance. Many insurance plans do not have coverage for preventive care, counseling, substance abuse, or other health related required services. Some adolescents face cultural barriers in accessing health care. Some ethnic minorities are kept from using existing facilities because of the lack of culturally appropriate services and culturally sensitive providers.