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Transition from pediatric to adult care

Once your child turns 18, they are legally an adult and responsible for their health care. Help your child transition from pediatric to adult care by involving them in their own care.

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A key part of health care navigation means helping your child know how to find and use the right health services when they are needed. This includes understanding where to go for care, how to schedule appointments, how to use insurance, and how to communicate with providers. Helping your child learn these skills can build confidence and support their independence in managing their health.

Health care list

A health care list should include doctors, dentists and mental health providers, medications and pharmacies. It's important for your young adult to keep a copy of this summary, as well as keep easy access to their medical and dental insurance cards.

Privacy and consent

At 18, your young adult's health information and medical records become private. You won't be automatically included in medical conversations, and providers will need your child's permission to share information with you.

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  • Encourage your child to make and cancel their own appointments.

  • Teach your child how to fill out forms or know who can help with forms.

  • Explain where to go for questions about their health insurance plan.

Use the Healthy Living LifeCourse tools to create a health care list. These tools include the integrated support star, trajectory, my health care support needs, my health care support team, today's health care visit, medication list, and medical provider.

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