6. Understanding the Role of Insurance in the Transition to Adult Care for Adolescents and Emerging Adults With Special Healthcare Needs (AEASHCN): A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Adolescents and Emerging Adults with Special Healthcare Needs (AEASHCN) must develop self-management skills in preparation for transition to adult-based care. However, AEASHCN are not being adequately prepared for transition, resulting in poor health outcomes for some AEASHCN during the transfer period. These poor health outcomes are greater for AEASHCN who are underinsured (public insurance or self-pay). The purpose of this study is to qualitatively explore the role of insurance in the preparation, transfer, and engagement stages of transition for AEASHCN from three subspeciality services at a large, urban children’s hospital.