Moving to Adult Healthcare

As you become an adult, you’ll switch from seeing pediatricians, and other providers who see younger patients, to receiving adult care. You should start preparing early for this change, which you may have heard referred to as “transition to adult care.”

If you see more than one pediatric provider, including behavioral or mental health providers, make sure you also talk to them about moving to adult care.

Need help with the change? MassHealth is here to support you! Below are some tips. 

AGES 12–14 

• Find out the age when your provider(s) stops seeing patients.
• Ask what your provider recommends for the process of moving to adult care.
• Know your health history, like medical conditions and medications you take.
• Be ready to ask and answer questions about your healthcare during appointments.

AGES 14–18

• Talk to your provider about creating a plan to move to adult care.
• Begin to look for an adult provider and think about when you’re ready to transfer care.
  • If you’re a member of a managed care plan, you can contact your plan to find adult providers in their networks, or search for providers at this page.
  • Otherwise, you can call the MassHealth Customer Service Center at [phone], TDD/TTY: 711.
• Make sure you are prepared to handle your health conditions on your own. For instance, if you have allergies, make sure you carry your EpiPen.

AGES 18–23

• Schedule appointments with any adult care providers you may need to see.
• Make sure these new providers have your medical information.
• Check mass.gov/NavigatingMassHealth to make sure you know if your health insurance coverage is going to change.
• Go to your annual physicals and any follow-up appointments.

When you turn 18

After you turn 18, your health information and medical records are private and can’t be shared unless you say they can. Your parents or guardians no longer make decisions about your medical care. If you want to share medical information with others, your doctor will ask you to fill out a form that allows specific people to see your medical record and be with you during your visit. You do not have to allow anyone to see your medical records or attend your doctors' visits. It’s up to you to make decisions for your own healthcare, although you can always ask others for help.

If you have sexual and reproductive health needs during the transition to adulthood, MassHealth has resources available here.

Resources for your move to adult healthcare

Need help navigating your insurance coverage? Click here.

Finding an Adult Provider—Tips and checklist for finding an adult provider

Do you, or does or your child, have special health needs? Click here for more information on your move to adult healthcare.

Contact

MassHealth Customer Service Center

Phone

Main: [phone]

TDD/TTY: 711

Self-service is available 24 hours a day in English and Spanish. Other services are available Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. Interpreter service is available during those hours.