Transition: Healthcare Resources
Free Resources for People and Families with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)
The JDRF (formerly known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) has shared this one-page information sheet that lists available resources for those living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D).
From PUNS Enrollment to DD Waiver Services Flowchart
The Arc of Illinois’ Ligas Family Advocate Program (LFAP) provides information and outreach to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families who are selected from the PUNS (Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services) or notified in advance of a future PUNS selection.
LFAP’s resources include a “Finding Your Way” flowchart roadmap that outlines the steps from PUNS enrollment to developmental disability waiver services.
Getting the Care You Need: A Guide for People With Disabilities
“Getting the Care You Need: A Guide for People with Disabilities” aims to empower patients with disabilities by explaining their rights to accessible care.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides this resource. It is available in multiple languages, including:
GLMA is a national organization committed to ensuring health equity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) and all sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals.
GLMA provides resources for patients, including a provider directory.
Got Transition aims to help youth and young adults move from pediatric to adult health care. Its website includes frequently asked questions and resources for youth and young adults as well as parents and caregivers.
The site also includes an animated video “What is Health Care Transition? HCT 101” for youth, young adults and families.
How SSI and SSDI Can Help Patients
The Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) provides valuable information and understanding to patients navigating the healthcare system.
PAF’s Education Resource Library offers information on a wide variety of individual health and health insurance-related topics as well as understanding Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
Many of PAF’s resources are also available in Spanish.
PAF is also available by phone Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., at (800) 532-5274.
Illinois Disability Benefits 101
Illinois Disability Benefits 101 is a free, user-friendly, Illinois-specific website that helps work through the myths and confusion of Social Security benefits, health care, employment and more. It is a one-stop shop for information, resources, and tools to motivate and support employment and community inclusion for individuals with disabilities, their families and professionals.
Lifespan Disability Clinic in Chicago
UI Health’s Lifespan Disability Clinic provides one-stop, comprehensive primary care for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Lifespan Disability Clinic is a welcoming space that aims to collaborate with each individual to achieve their personal goals, such as obtaining appropriate accommodations, coordinating care and supporting the transition to adulthood.
The Lifespan Disability Clinic has two locations. Services include:
- Primary care (routine health exams)
- Support for the transition to adulthood
- Care coordination
- Education and resources
Mental Health Resources for LGBTQI Individuals
The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersexed (LGBTQI) community represents a wide diversity of thought, perspective, understanding and experience. For individuals identifying as LGBTQI, it’s important to recognize how your experience of sexual orientation and gender identity relates to your mental health.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provides a variety of resources as well as important things to consider when seeking an LGBTQI-competent mental health care professional.
Navigating Health Insurance and the Health Care System
The Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) provides valuable information and understanding to patients navigating the healthcare system.
PAF’s Education Resource Library offers information on a wide variety of individual health and health insurance-related topics including:
- Finding and Selecting Insurance
- Making the Most of Your Health Insurance
- Engaging with Insurers: Appealing a Denial
- Patient Advocate Foundation Drug Formulary FAQ
Watch their short tutorial “Welcome to the Education Resource Library” to learn how to find and share materials. Many of the materials are available in English and Spanish.
PAF is also available by phone Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., at (800) 532-5274.