Transition to Adulthood - Medical Insurance Choices for Adults

There’s a lot that goes into “adulting” – including choosing insurance. As you and your family work to transition from pediatric to adult healthcare, know that you don’t have to navigate it alone. To make it easier, Children’s Mercy put together some resources that can help 18+ year-olds like you learn more about medical insurance. The information below is designed to help you:

a) Understand how insurance coverage can be helpful

b) Compare coverage plans and options

c) Take steps to get insured

d) Learn how to use and pay for insurance in the adult world. 

Kansas Medicaid 

• 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. 

Missouri Medicaid

• 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. 

ACA Marketplace 

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.