S
self care + health
By law, former foster are eligible for free health insurance until the age of 26. Find out about how to access when you transition. health insurance Know what type of health insurance you have access to after you leave care. Find out what you need to do to maintain eligibility for health coverage. Research what it will cost if you have to pay for your own health care. List your medical insurance provider and your identification or client number.
health care provider List your most current doctor, even if you no longer have health insurance. Compile medical records if multiple doctors/providers have been used. Confirm that your immunizations are up-to-date. Get a comprehensive health exam before leaving foster care, if possible. mental health insurance Find out if your health insurance covers mental health issues if you are in need of such services. Find out what you need to do to maintain eligibility and what your “out of pocket” costs will be.
mental health care provider List your most current mental health provider, even if you no longer have health insurance. Compile medical records if multiple doctors/providers have been used.
on isi e v lan s siv a p ed en e ne s.) eh in n se pr rm isio len e om et e v act t a c ; d ur on ge tion fut con si vi an na g or Arr mi etin ses d a e n s an ex r m gla up fo ke ck re (li he fo l c be a ta es fy en su nti e d is de to et al . I e pl nt le nu e m de ib nti ag co ny oss co ver st al e a f a f p ill co co nt ul e o e, i u w if he y. de hed car car yo ine at t pa n Sc ke g at rm h to ta avin st th dete or w ave le nti nd ble u h de e a aila f yo us av e i is ill b w self care + health
n Figure out what you’ll need Identify ongoing needs for physical health, mental health and substance abuse services (arrange comprehensive screenings, get physical, dental and vision examinations, along with developmental and mental health screenings.) n n prescriptions Make a list of current prescriptions. Find out if health insurance will continue to cover the cost and for how long. Determine what the prescriptions will cost if you have to pay for them on your own. Learn about the side effects of stopping prescriptions n without doctors’ orders. Figure out how to keep prescriptions in a safe place. n health support Identify supportive individuals who can help you stay healthy, including someone who would be willing to attend medical appointments with you and advise you in accessing resources. n n identify a health care proxy Complete a form called a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care that informs doctors and the court who you would like to make medical decisions in case you aren’t able to decide for yourself. n n substance abuse treatment Demonstrate you know the signs of addiction, the consequences of substance abuse, and know where to go for help. n health education
Prepare yourself with health education, including healthy sexual decision making, awareness of birth family’s physical and mental health history, prevention and transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, effects of trauma, substance abuse issues, constructive methods for coping with stress, addressing social and relational problems, anxiety, depression and other mental health issues.
FosterClub Transition Toolkit | 19