Helping High Schoolers Prepare for Healthcare Independence
By Ellie Anderson, DNP, FNP-BC
Graduating from high school brings a lot of change—new routines, new responsibilities, and often new environments. One area that can get overlooked is health care.
As a parent, caregiver, educator, or community partner, you play an important role in helping high school seniors get ready to manage their health once they leave home—whether that’s for college, trade school, or the workforce.
Key questions to talk through together:
- Will they need a new health care provider?
- Will they stay on a parent/guardian’s insurance, or need their own?
- Are they ready to make their own health decisions once they turn 18?
Simple ways to help them prepare:
- Encourage them to learn their health history
- Review their health insurance together: What’s covered and where they can go for care
- Help them understand where to go: Primary care vs. urgent care vs. emergency room
Building these skills now can help prevent gaps in care and give young adults the confidence to take charge of their health during this important transition, and All Care Health Center’s Mobile Unit is here to support students and families with a “senior checklist” to help them get ready for what’s next.