Get the Transition Health Care Checklist at the above web site, from your transition coordinator, school nurse, or from agency service coordinators. Work thru the questions on pages 4-9 to plan for learning/teaching the skills needed to be as independent as possible. Need to Know-to maintain Health Insurance
Private Insurance - Youth may be able to continue on their family’s insurance plan as long as they are considered an “adult disabled dependent child.” (page 17 of the Transition Health Care Checklist)
oAsk Human Resources or Benefits Department for information/application. ThisInformation should include the process and form for the doctor to complete
oInclude all medical conditions
oThis may be available as the youth leaves high school
HIPAA - The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act - stands also forportability (page 18 of the Transition Health Care Checklist)
oWhen changing Group Health Insurance get a Certificate of Coverage for portability.This will waive the waiting time and any increased costs for pre-existing conditions.A formula may be applied
Social Security as an adult is one pathway to public insurance (Medical Assistance) (Page 19 of the Transition Health Care Checklist)
Youth receiving SSDI benefits as a child will need to reapply as an adult with disabilities (Page 20 of the Transition Health Care Checklist)
Youth may want to apply for MAWD-Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (Page 23 of the Transition Health Care Checklist)
It is critical to have current evaluations and assessments including educational, medical and psychological. These are needed to apply and qualify for many services /programs
Remember to return to the doctor for prescriptions and referrals for testing and servicespaid by public and private insurance
Depending on whether private or public insurance is used as primary, explore the type and level of services available. Check if covered services meet the needs of the youth
Be sure to show all service providers all insurance cards