Start planning now for health care coverage.

Even though you may now be carried on your parent’s health care plan, begin planning right away for the time when that plan will no longer cover your medical expenses. Early planning will save you and your parents anxiety and frustration in the future.

No matter which options eventually work for you and your parents, expect that you will need to advocate for good services and care.

To make sure you have the right health care coverage, you and your parents should:

Review Your Private Health Insurance Policy  
Most private insurance plans will not allow your parents to continue coverage for you forever. Policies vary so review the policy and plan your next move well in advance of your need.

Medicaid  
Eligibility for medical assistance is based on income, and for you this is the most likely option for medical coverage. Your DDDS case manager/supports coordinator can assist you and your parents with the process. The website listed below also has good background information to help you prepare.

Medicare  
Medicare, the Social Security health care program, may be an option for you if your parents are collecting Social Security. Call the toll-free number or use the website address to locate the closest Social Security office.
Social Security Administration
800-772-1213

Respite Care
Obtaining funded respite care from the county may be difficult to access due to waiting lists and funding issues. When you need respite care there are several options to consider.

• Division of Developmental Disabilities Services  
  Call the state’s DDDS to be sure your case file is open and active. Your supports coordinator can assist you and your parents with funding and arranging for respite care. Remember, planning ahead is a must for routine respite.
  Contact: Developmental Disabilities Council
  Margaret M. O'Neill Building, 2nd Floor
  410 Federal Street, Suite 2
  Dover, Delaware 19901
  Fax: (302) 739-2015
  
• Family and Friends

Consider arranging respite care with family and/or friends for both routine and emergency situations. If caregivers need special training to care for your healthcare or behavioral needs, specify what they need to know well before they are left with the responsibility. Your physician and DDDS supports coordinator should help you and your parents define the needed training and find someone who can instruct your private respite provider. 
 
Your Adult Services Provider 
If you are already receiving services from a provider agency, discuss your respite needs with your service provider. You may be able to access their respite services or receive a referral to another respite provider. 

To assure adequate health care coverage, you should:

• Register with Division of Developmental Disabilities
  DE Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS)
  Woodbrook Professional Center
  1056 South Governor’s Avenue
  Suite 101
  Dover, DE 19904
  Phone (302) 744-9600
  Fax (302) 744-9632
  To apply for services, visit: www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/files/application.pd

• Health Care Transitions
  
• American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry
  
• Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
  7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21244
  (800) 633-4227 or (877) 486-2048 (TTY)
  
• Generations Home Care, Inc
  205 E Market Street, Geogetown, DE 19947
  (302) 856-7774 Fax (302) 856-7753
  
• Hillsborough County Health Care Transition Resource Guide. http://usfpeds.hsc.usf.edu/adolescent/pdf/Resource_Listings.pdf
  
• Hrtw.org
  focuses on understanding systems, access to quality health care, and increasing the involvement of youth. It also includes provider preparation plus tools and resources needed to make more informed choices! They also provide information and connections to health and transition expertise nationwide – from those in the know, doing the work and living it!
  
• Medline Plus
  National library of medicine that provides health information.
  8600 Rockvillel Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894
  email