Insurance issues

As youth reach the teenage years and transition into adulthood, different types of insurances become available or unavailable to them.

A youth may be discontinued from his or her parent's private insurance due to age or change in student status, or may become ineligible for certain public aid programs.

It is very important that every youth with medical needs obtain insurance available to them through public aid and community programs regardless of age or stage in life.

Identify the type of insurance that applies:

• Private insurance. The insured will be in school full- or part-time and remain on parent's insurance or will be self-employed and maintain private insurance through place of employment, or qualify under parent's insurance as an adult. It is important that the youth or their parent discuss the requirements for keeping insurance for an adult dependent with the insurance company.
• Government insurance: Medicaid (such as T19, BadgerCarePlus or HMO) or Medicare. In most cases, youth will remain on Medicaid or Medicare. BadgerCarePlus and Katie Beckett provide coverage until a youth turns 19 years old. However, SSI T19 requires that the youth reapply when they turn 18 years. When it is time to reapply (just prior to 18 years for SSI T19, just prior to 19 years for BadgerCarePlus), the process can begin at www.access.wi.gov for Badgercare or through the Social Security Office for SSI T19. A child who was receiving Katie Beckett will need to apply for SSI T19. At the time of reapplying, it is likely that any disability will need to be redocumented and the youth will need to requalify for benefits. It is important that the youth or their parent/guardian discuss the requirements for maintaining government insurance for an adult with a disability with the case worker before they turn 18 years. 
• No insurance, legal citizen. Youth can see what government programs, such as Medicaid or BadgerCarePlus, for which they qualify at www.access.wi.gov or by calling Recipient Services Hotline at 1-800-362-3002. Youth also can receive Medicaid by applying for and being awarded SSI Disability or can apply for Medicare as an adult.
• No insurance, undocumented. Youth will continue to apply for charity programs and work toward achieving legal citizenship.