Transition to Adult Health Care
Young adults tell us...
"I was happy I had a family doctor when I turned 18. I had to change a lot of specialists, so having one office that already knew me and my history was helpful."
"I was used to having my mom along for my appointments. I had to ask more questions, and get the doctor to explain anything I didn't understand."
"I did not realize how much I did not know until I tried to get my insurance to pay for additional Occupational Therapy."
Parents tell us...
"I have been so involved in her health care that it was a shock when she turned 18 and I wasn't included."
"We had been teaching him to set up appointments, carry his insurance card, and to write down questions ahead of time. We were really proud of him the first time he went to the doctor on his own."
"I knew she needed an adult doctor when she told me she had a serious boyfriend."
General transition information
Being in charge of your own health care can be empowering but also a little overwhelming. These resources can help.
Guidebook from Rutgers University: Being a Healthy Adult: How to Advocate for Your Health and Healthcare
The ARC of New Jersey: Personal and family medical history form
State of Oregon: Teen's Rights for Access to Healthcare and confidentiality
National Center for Self Determination: My Health, My Choice, My responsibility curriculum and app
Guardianship and supported-decision making
The ARC of Oregon: Support for Understanding and Implementing Supportive Decision-making
Supported Decision Making.org: Setting the Wheels in Motion Toolkit
Think About Your Life.org: Tools for thinking about your life
State of Oregon: Examples of Individual Service Plans
Taking Charge of My Health
All of these and more are found on OHSU's UCEDD University Center of Excellence on Developmental Disabilities Page. They were created in partnership with OSAC, Oregon Self-Advocacy Coalition
Module 1 Being a Self Advocate
Module 3 When Should I Visit My Doc?
Transition checklists and tools
Oregon Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Needs: Transition planning checklist and Transition readiness assessment
OR F2FHIC: Adolescent autonomy checklist , Five Questions to Ask Your Provider About Transition, and Finding adult health care providers
Florida Center for Inclusive Communities: My Health Passport fillable
Young Invincibles Initiative: #Healthy Adulting 101: How Does My Health Insurance Work?
Disability Independence Group: Medical ID card wallet
Understanding Minor Consent and Confidentiality in Oregon
"Understanding your Health Insurance Costs" In-depth video from Consumer Reports
Condition-specific transition materials
Disclaimer
Inclusion of resources on our site does not imply endorsement nor does exclusion mean we do not think it is valuable. We work to keep our list of resources current and relevant but it is not exhaustive.
If you have any questions call or email us tel. 855-323-6744 (English) o 833-990-9930 (español) contact@oregonfamilytofamily.org