Age matters when it comes to healthcare…
MIND THE SHIFT
When you turn 18 years old, you’re considered a legal adult.1 That means your parents can no longer make health decisions for you. Also, in some states at 18 years old, you will have “aged out” of pediatric care.2 At this point, your pediatric specialist doctor may no longer be optimal for you, based on your age. It may be time to move on to a new doctor who treats adults.
Anticipate your needs
This can feel like a little change or a big change, depending on your healthcare needs. It’s important to anticipate this moment and speak to your pediatrician about a transition plan accounting for not only age, but your individual needs and priorities. For example, are you moving to a new state or in need of a referral to continue care with a specialist for a specific condition?
Insurance matters
Another critical age, for those on a parent or guardian’s insurance plan, is turning 26 years old.3 Most plans do not allow young adults, also referred to as minor dependents, to remain on a parent’s or guardian’s health plan past that age. In these cases, you may need to consider how to get your own health insurance. Many health networks have a social worker who can help with more complicated cases, including for people living with a disability.
Assembling a care team
Planning for these changes can help ensure
continuity of care. It’s important to have
a primary care physician who can help you
identify what care you need, when you need it.
Prepare for your shift in healthcare
Adulting means advocating for yourself.
Be curious when you visit the doctor and share what‘s on your mind — become your own health advocate.
Develop healthy habits that work for your body and its needs.
Not sure what a term means? Our
glossary breaks it down with clear, simple definitions.
- Boston Medical Center. Age of majority: a guide to adult decision-making supports [Internet]. 2018 [cited 2025 Aug 6]. Available from: https://www.bmc.org/sites/default/files/Patient_Care/Specialty_Care/Pediatrics%20-%20Autism/TEAM/Age-of-Majority-Guide.pdf
- Hardin AP, Hackell JM, Simon GR, Arauz Boudreau AD, Baker CN, Barden GA, Meade KE, Moore SB, Richerson J; Committee on Practice and Ambulatory Medicine. Age limit of pediatrics. Pediatrics. 2017 Sep; 140(3):e20172151. Available from: https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/140/3/e20172151/38333/Age-Limit-of-Pediatrics doi:10.1542/peds.2017-2151
- HealthCare.gov. Getting your own health coverage when you turn 26 [Internet]. [cited 2025 Aug 6]. Available from: https://www.healthcare.gov/turning-26/