TRANSITIONS:

  Transition is defined as a change from one stage to another.Transitions start at birth and continue throughout life.  Transitions occur in all areas of life including education, vocation, and healthcare.

  It is important to look forward to transitions and plan for transitions.There are many websites that focus on transitions, particularly from youth to young adulthood.  Some of the ones we have found useful are listed below.

            Healthy and Ready to Work
            KASA, Kids As Self Advocates
            Transition Workbook 

  This area of the website is further divided to provide more information on the following areas of transition:  education/vocation, healthcare, financial/legal, and housing/recreation.

HEALTHCARE:

As your son/daughter approaches the age of 18, it is important to think about healthcare insurance. You should first check with your current insurance plan. Your current plan may continue to cover your young adult while attending school/college. If your young adult is currently on Medicaid, you should check about continued coverage. Their website is www.cms.hhs.gov/home/medicaid.asp.
If your son/daughter is on BCMH, that coverage can continue until age 21, or indefinitely if your young adult has cystic fibrosis. You must continue to re-apply yearly.
More information on health insurance can be found at www.hrtw.org/healthcare/hlth_ins.html.

It is also important to start the transition process to an adult provider. The first thing you should do is compile a health summary if you have not already done that with your current doctor. Samples can be found at www.hrtw.org/tools/check_care.html. Once this has been completed, talk with your current physician about recommendations for adult physicians. The following website can also help you with your search: www.hrtw.org/healthcare/find.html. Talking to others with special needs is also a great source of recommendations.
Once the adult physician has been selected, arrange for a consultation to meet and discuss the young adult’s health issues. If the young adult is very complicated medically, your current physician may want to speak directly with the new physician. If you are not comfortable with the new physician, don’t be afraid to meet with another physician to find the best fit for you.