Young Adults Need Regular Checkups
If you are turning 18, you’ll soon be considered an adult.
This is an exciting step in your life. We are here to help support you and those around you with information and resources. We want to make your journey through this transition as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Start your journey here.
#1: Make the move to adult care
Many of your current care services may move to new providers who will support your adult needs. Your current providers may only specialize in services for patients under the age of 18. It’s important to make the move to adult care services. This helps avoid interruptions to your future care.
Your primary care provider plays a key role in your overall well-being. They are there to listen, provide guidance, and help you with the resources you need to lead a healthy life. They can refer you to other providers, like specialists, for any specific health concerns.
During your primary care visit, don't hesitate to talk about changes you've noticed in your body, any health goals you want to achieve, or any questions you have on your mind. Being proactive and paying attention to your health care can help you take control of your well-being and set yourself up for a healthier future.
For female members, getting OB/GYN care is very important for reproductive health and wellness. You have the freedom to schedule an appointment without needing a referral.
- Move to an adult PCP
- Make the most of your well visits and rewards
- Make a plan for your sexual health
- Know what mental health resources are available
- Advocate for yourself
- Be responsible
- Stay healthy
#2: Make the most of your well visits and rewards
Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) is a program, also called Healthy Kids. It encourages referrals for developmental problems, vision, hearing and dental problems, as well as family problems for young adults under age 21.
Some young adults may want to request to be included in the Healthy Kids program. If you need a screening not normally covered for your age group, this benefit can be requested by your provider. They will work with you to help explain why you both feel the service you are asking for is needed. Once you request this benefit, your provider will submit a referral and give you a copy to see a specialist. The process for this request is called prior authorization.
Don’t forget about the perks. UnitedHealthcare Health Plan of Nevada Medicaid offers rewards to eligible members when they complete certain health screenings. Learn more.
#3: Take control of your sexual and reproductive health
Whether you are female (assigned female at birth) or male (assigned male at birth), you should be prepared to protect yourself and your partners’ health should you choose to engage in sexual activities. Abstinence is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). You should delay sexual activities until you are ready.
Should you choose to become sexually active, there are methods to protect yourself from unplanned pregnancy, STIs, and HIV infection. It’s important to talk to your doctor and not your friends. When you are ready to learn more, or turn 21, make an appointment with your primary care provider or OB/GYN to discuss what is right for you.
Here are some resources to help you navigate your sexual and reproductive health.
Teens & Young Adults | www.ncshguide.org
How Can I Talk with My Health Care Provider about Sexual Health? | www.ncshguide.org
STI Testing: Conversation Starters - MyHealthfinder | health.gov
Campaign Materials – #TalkTestTreat | SAW | CDC
Contraceptive Counseling Guidance for Health Care Providers (willyouaskher.com)
How Well Does Birth Control Work_English_12-20-23_0.pdf (ucsf.edu)
All Birth Control Options | Types Of Birth Control | Learn More (bedsider.org)
#4: Don’t ignore your mental health
Mental health is just as important as physical health. UnitedHealthcare Health Plan of Nevada Medicaid administers outpatient mental health services for our members under 18 years old and youth 18 years old or older.
Outpatient mental health services help support recovery and resiliency for people facing:
- Emotional challenges
- Mental illness
- Substance use disorders
If you are currently experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room immediately. If you’re thinking about harming yourself, call the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or the 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline toll-free at 1-800-273-8255 to be connected to a trained counselor at a suicide crisis center nearest you. For youth under the age of 18, call the Division of Child and Family Services’ (DCFS) Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) at 702-486-7865 in Southern Nevada or 775-688-1670 in Northern Nevada.
#5: Stand up for yourself
Self-advocacy is something you do to stand up for yourself in a positive way so you can show other people what you need to be successful. Self-advocacy can help in your relationships at work, at school, at home, with your friends and with your doctors or counselors. Being an advocate for yourself will help you communicate better, create independence, feel empowered, and find solutions to problems that other people may not be aware of.
What could self-advocacy look like for you?
- Believe in who you are
- Know your rights
- Decide what you want
- Make a plan/set your goals
- Identify your support system
- Practice telling other people what you want or need in positive ways
- Become persistent
- Learn health care terms
- Apply for benefits. Find out if you qualify for Medicaid.
- Carry your State Medicaid ID card & health plan ID card
- Find a Doctor / Provider
#6: Take responsibility
By law, when you reach the age of 18, you become an adult. You have the right to make decisions about yourself and your life.
You also have the right to make decisions about your education, adult services, how you spend your money, bank accounts, rental or housing agreements, medical care, contracts, and many other things.
Turning 18 means you’re also responsible for the results of your decisions and your actions. Having these legal rights means taking responsibility. Sometimes we make decisions that affect multiple aspects of our lives, for example:
- If you go to the doctor and decide not to do what they tell you, it might affect your health or make you sick.
- Making sure you are on top of your annual appointments with your dentist, eye doctor, annual physical, and any other health services you need.
- Staying on top of any incoming medical bills, prescriptions, and health maintenance.
As an adult you’ll have a lot of choices and decisions to make. It’s important to know what might happen when you make a decision (the consequence) and be able to take responsibility for that choice. You can ask people you trust to help you get the information you need to make good decisions.
If you’re worried about this transition to adulthood, that’s normal. But there’s good news. You’ll have adults around you who can help you with this process—whether a parent, guardian, mentor or counselor. We’re here for you too and excited to help you navigate each step to make your transition journey a success.