In a few months, I’ll turn 17 and I’m concerned about continuing my medications, which I rely on. Currently, I’m on Medicaid and live with my grandma, who has medical rights over me, but I’m still under my mom’s care. My grandma gets her insurance from social security, but I can’t go on her plan when I turn 18 because it’s state-provided. I’m in Florida and worried about losing Medicaid coverage.
I work and make around $800 a month, totaling approximately $9,600-$12,000 a year. I’m not planning to go to college due to the cost and lack of interest in jobs requiring a degree, so I won’t have access to college insurance plans. I’m unsure if I’ll have insurance through a job since I plan to find a new one when I turn 18. My mom isn’t an option either, as she likely doesn’t have insurance or a job. Any advice on what I should do? I’m worried about being without necessary medications, especially after recently missing a refill.
In Florida, Medicaid coverage ends when you turn 19. Unless there are changes in Medicaid expansion, it’s crucial to find a job that offers health insurance. Consider places like Starbucks, Costco, or Ikea, as well as options like union apprenticeships or the Job Corps program, which can provide both career paths and benefits like health insurance. The Department of Labor’s Job Corps program could also help you transition out of Florida.
If you file taxes independently (not as a dependent of your parent or grandparent), you might be eligible for health insurance through healthcare.gov based on your income once you’re no longer on Medicaid. However, this might depend on whether your job’s insurance meets the government’s “affordability” standards.
@Kaaze I looked into the work corps thing, and I think it’s fascinating; I appreciate you informing me about it. Are you recommending that I complete the job corps program in Florida or in the state where I would wish to relocate? In any case, I appreciate you telling me about it because it looks like a pretty fascinating option for me in the event that my current plan doesn’t work out.
Are the medications you take often? Could the medicine adverse effects be mitigated by a prescription drug plan such as BasiCare Plus? Although it’s not insurance, perhaps you might cross something off your list?