07.05.2022
5 Tips for Youth and Families to Take Charge of Their Health Care
Accessing health care is essential for all youth to grow up healthy and transition to adulthood. Youth experiencing foster care have unique health care situations, including dealing with higher rates of many chronic health conditions. Despite their increased need for preventative and specialized care, however, they often face barriers and struggle to understand the complex healthcare system, particularly on their own.
In Washington State, youth in foster care have access to Apple Health (Medicaid) coverage, designed with their specific care in mind. Many youth in foster care, adoption support and alumni of foster care are enrolled in Coordinated Care’s Apple Health Core Connections (AHCC) program, covering physical and behavioral health care services.
Dedicated to breaking down barriers in health care, Coordinated Care has come up with its top 5 tips to help youth in foster care get the most out of their health care coverage:
TIP 1: Make sure you’re covered. If you recently returned from out of state or do not have a Coordinated Care ID card, Coordinated Care can help. If you have questions about enrollment or to request a new ID card, reach out to Coordinated Care’s Member Services at 1-844-354-9876 or [email protected].
TIP 2: Know what’s covered by Apple Health. AHCC covers a range of physical and behavioral health services — like annual well visits, urgent care, pharmacy needs, mental health counseling and substance use disorder treatment. Review a full list of covered benefits on Coordinated Care’s Benefit Guide.
TIP 3: Earn My Health Pays Rewards. As a Coordinated Care member, you will receive a Visa gift card in the mail after certain health care appointments, like your annual well visit or a flu shot. Best of all, you don’t need to fill out any forms — you will automatically be sent your Visa card.
TIP 4: Connect with Care Coordination services. Coordinated Care has a team of staff dedicated to supporting youth. Care Coordination can help with finding a new doctor or care for more complex needs. There is no limit on the number of times you can reach out. Anyone can make a referral for a youth by emailing [email protected]
TIP 5: Access care anywhere with Teledoc. Sign up for a Teledoc account and get 24/7 care from a provider in Washington State for non-urgent healthcare needs.
Treehouse is a natural and valued partner for Coordinated Care as we share missions to seek better outcomes for youth within the child welfare system. We know educational access and attainment impact overall health and wellness, which is why we support the statewide expansion of Treehouse’s Graduation Success program, specifically in 2021-2022 with a gift of $50,000.
All of us at Coordinated Care wish you and the Treehouse staff a fun, restful and healthy summer! Congratulations to all the 2022 grads!
To learn more about Coordinated Care, you can visit their website.
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About the Author
Lindsey Greene is a Community Educator with Coordinated Care and a longtime supporter of Treehouse. Professionally, she is a social worker with a passion for supporting children and families. Personally, she’s an east coast transplant, a mom and a bookworm who loves exploring the outdoors and staying active.