Health Basics – One of the most important responsibilities you have as an adult is how you access health care. Young adults who were in foster care on their 18th birthday can get health insurance through the state of Arizona. It does not matter how much money you make. If you live in Arizona, you can get free health insurance until you are 26 years old. It is important to know how to use your health insurance. This guide covers the basics of health care and your rights as a former foster youth, so you can stay healthy for years to come.
Health Insurance Coverage is an essential when you transition out of foster care. In fact, it’s now the law that everyone have some kind of coverage. Check out Young Adult Transitional Insurance (YATI) – an Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) plan that is no-cost or low-cost – for Arizona foster care young adults. (AHCCCS is Arizona’s Medicaid.) Find a Navigator from Cover Arizona to help you with the AHCCCS application. Be sure to tell the Navigator that you’re a former foster care youth who is interested in YATI and AHCCCS.
Collect Important Information Get copies of your health records so if you have to start with a new doctor, you can provide your medical history. See what information you should gather to create your own “Health File.” It’s your right to have all of your medical information and legal documents when you are getting ready to turn 18, make sure you Know Your Rights.
