Managing Healthcare After 18: Essential Tips for Foster Youth Transitioning to Adulthood

From the desk of our Foster Youth Resource Concierge

So, you’re turning 18 (or maybe you already have) and transitioning out of foster care. It’s a big step, and one of the most important things you’ll need to manage is your healthcare. It might seem overwhelming at first, but don’t stress—these tips will help make it easier for you.

Know Your Health Insurance If you were in foster care, you might qualify for Medicaid until you turn 26. It’s important to confirm this with your caseworker or healthcare provider so you know exactly what your insurance covers. Getting this sorted out early will save you a lot of trouble later on.

Find a Primary Care Doctor Now that you’re in charge of your own care, it’s crucial to have a primary care doctor for regular check-ups and medical advice. If you don’t have one yet, your insurance provider can help you find a doctor in your network. Don't wait until something goes wrong to figure this out—be proactive!

Schedule Regular Check-Ups It’s easy to overlook, but making sure you see your doctor for annual check-ups is essential. Even if you feel fine, it’s important to stay on top of your health. Plus, it gives you a chance to ask any questions or address concerns you might have.

Keep Track of Your Medical Records If you’ve been in foster care, your medical records might be all over the place. Now’s the time to gather them! Reach out to your old doctors or caseworkers to get important records, like immunization histories and treatment plans. You’ll want these for future doctors' visits.

Get Familiar with the Pharmacy If you need prescriptions, learn how to manage them. Find a local pharmacy that works with your insurance, and set up reminders or auto-refills for medications. It’ll make life easier, trust me!

Medicaid Perks You Might Not Know About If you’re covered by Medicaid (or Sunshine Health in Florida), you could be eligible for perks you didn’t even know about. For example, many plans include transportation services to help you get to medical appointments. Some even offer wellness programs that could get you a gym membership or counseling services.

Don’t forget about dental and vision coverage either—Medicaid often covers those too! Sunshine Health even has a rewards program where you can earn points for doing things like getting a check-up or staying up to date on vaccinations. Make sure to check out the perks available to you—you might be surprised at what’s offered!

Taking control of your healthcare may seem daunting, but with a little planning, you’ll be handling appointments and insurance with ease in no time. And remember, you’ve got some awesome benefits through Medicaid or Sunshine Health, so make the most of them!

Looking for further help with your medical care? The FYRC is here to make managing healthcare after aging out of foster care a lot easier. Whether it's helping you understand your health insurance options, connecting you with the right primary care doctor, or organizing your medical records, we’re here to guide you through the process. With our FYRC, you'll have a dedicated resource to assist with all these critical aspects, making healthcare management one less thing to worry about. Complete our referral form to start your healthcare journey with one-on-one help.