Transition to Adulthood - Medical Insurance Choices for Adults

It is important to start to think about insurance options. Talk with your care team early.

Start to ask questions when you turn 16 years old.
To start this process, you need to
- Understand what insurance you have NOW
- Check to see if you will need to apply for new coverage as an adult
Check out the Insurance Information Guides to help you through the process
Follow these easy steps if you do not have insurance or need to apply for coverage
- Review any questions with your care team, ASK TO SPEAK TO YOUR SOCIAL WORKER
- Your care team will refer you to Financial Counseling or the Health Insurance Marketplace
- Apply for adult insurance coverage
- Request help from your care team along the way.

You can apply for Kansas Medicaid when you turn 19 years old.
This program pays for your medical care if you need help paying for it.
- Each Medicaid program has different income guidelines.
You must live in Kansas.
If you had Disability Medicaid as a child, you will be automatically moved to an adult plan.
If you are younger than 26 years old and were in foster care when you turned 18 years old, you can get Kansas Medicaid.

Ways to Apply:

See if you are eligible for Medicaid and complete an application.
- List the people currently living in your household.
Call the KanCare Clearinghouse at 1-800-792-4884 and ask them to send you an application.
- Interpreter services are available.

General Rules:

If you have other health insurance, you must use it first when getting medical care.
Once approved you will receive a letter in the mail with your medical coverage start date.
Medical coverage is reviewed each year for eligibility.

You can apply for Missouri Medicaid when you turn 19 years old.
This program pays for your medical care if you need help paying for it.
You must live in Missouri.
If you had Disability Medicaid as a child, you will be automatically moved to an adult plan.
If you are younger than 26 years old and were in foster care when you turned 18 years old, you can get Missouri Medicaid.

Ways to Apply:

Fill out an application online.
- You can upload the completed application to the FSD upload portal.
- List the people currently living in your household.
Call (855) 373-9994 to apply over the phone.
Mail completed Medicaid Application to your local Family Support Division Office.

General Rules:

If you have other health insurance, you must use it first when getting medical care.
Once approved you will receive a letter in the mail with your medical coverage start date.
Medical coverage is reviewed each year for eligibility.

If you cannot get Medicaid coverage as an adult:

Check to see if you can stay on your parent’s commercial insurance plan. There is a chance you can stay on that health plan until the age of 26. Your family needs to check for that eligibility with their human resources department that manages their health plan.
If you have turned 18 or 19 years old and cannot stay on their health plan, then review Insurance Plans and Coverage Types Accepted.
Another option is the ACA Marketplace. This insurance was made possible through the affordable care Act.