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Insurance and Legal Changes

Health insurance helps with the cost of seeing a doctor, getting medications, and any time you are in the hospital.  Health insurance can be confusing at first, but by learning the basics you will learn how to use your insurance to get the care you need. There are different ways people can get health insurance plans:

  • From the government
  • From their parents or caregivers
  • From their job
  • From a Health Insurance Marketplace (Covered CA)

As you get older, your options for health insurance will change, and it is important to know how to get insurance and when changes will happen. Learn more about the different types of health insurance, definitions of terms used and how to get it.

young girl with mom looking at a computer

An important part of preparing for adult care is understanding the legal changes that happen when you turn 18. At 18, all patients are legally recognized as adults and gain the right to consent for their own medical care and choose who can access their protected health information (PHI). Learn more from GotTransition’s resource guide.

18+ CHOC Release

Changes at 18 years old can be scary, and you may still need support from your parent or guardian. This consent form allows the people you list to continue to be involved in helping you manage your care. If you want another adult to have access to your health information, talk to your physician prior to your next appointment to discuss.

18+ CHOC Release (English) | 18+ CHOC Release (Spanish)

Release Of Information (ROI) for Shared Medical Records

As you approach graduation from CHOC and start meeting with new doctors who see adults, you will need to share your medical records. CHOC needs your permission to send your medical information to doctors outside of CHOC.  You will need to give CHOC permission with a formal consent form and request. Complete this electronic consent form with the information of your new doctor and CHOC will send them your records. 

Transitioning from Pediatric to Adult Primary Care

For help on how to find a new provider, you can use our guide here.

Frequently Asked Questions

An important part of preparing for adult care is understanding the legal changes that happen when you turn 18. The sections below highlight the legal changes that all patients should be aware of and how best to plan.

At 18, all patients are legally recognized as adults and gain the right to consent for their own medical care and choose who can access their personal health information (PHI). Learn more from GotTransition’s resource guide.
Just because you can legally consent for your treatment at 18 doesn’t mean you have to make decisions about your health alone. You should always feel comfortable advocating to have a support person be a part of your care. If you want someone other than you to have access to your health information, make sure you ask to sign a release of information. Most release of information forms allow you to specify what type of health information you want shared and what information should remain private.

Shared decision-making is a process where the patient, doctor and patient’s identified supporter (parent, caregiver or trusted adult) make choices together about tests, care and treatment options. All patients benefit from shared decision-making, and this should be something you feel comfortable talking to your care team about.

The transition from adolescence to adulthood can be complicated when a young adult has a developmental or intellectual disability. Many individuals with intellectual disabilities will require ongoing support. To learn more about decision-making supports, visit the Youth with Disabilities section.

For additional information on decision-making laws, including guardianship, that help people with disabilities receive the support they need, check out yourLimited Conservatorships & Alternatives options.

Finding the right plan for your needs is crucial. The Young Invincibles and Adolescent & Young Adult Health National Resource Center created the Adulting Toolkit that lets you compare different types of plans, see real-world examples and get quick tips about the things you need to know about health insurance.
If you want to learn what insurance plans you qualify for, check out Covered California’s website at www.coveredca.com.
Individuals covered by their parent insurance plans will remain covered until the age of 26 years old. At this time, you may obtain insurance coverage by applying to a government plan, through your employer, or by paying for a plan. If your young adult is disabled, visit the Youth with Disabilities section to learn more.

Individuals enrolled in CalOptima CHOC Health Alliance (CHA) can be on this plan until the age of 21 years old. Before your 21st birthday, you will be asked to pick a new network to continue coverage as an adult. CalOptima is the plan in Orange County, but the network will change. It is important to speak with your adult providers to know what network they will accept. To change your network, contact CalOptima at (800) 424-2462, or go to https://caloptima.org/.