By Greg Nelson
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This topic hits especially close to home as our daughter Emma is headed to college in San Diego in August. We’re busy checking off the to-do list: dorm supplies, textbooks, a new laptop, and the rest. But one thing we didn’t want to overlook is something that’s easy to put off but critical to prepare: arranging a healthcare directive for Emma, who turns 18 in July and will be considered an adult (even if her dad’s not ready for it!)
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Why a Healthcare Directive Matters for College Students
When your child turns 18, they’re legally considered an adult. That means you no longer have an automatic right to make medical decisions for them. Yes, even if they’re still on your insurance or you’re footing the bill. Without a formal healthcare directive, parents can find themselves in a difficult legal “blackout” period during an emergency.
Imagine your child is in a car accident or becomes seriously ill. As a parent, your instinct is to rush to their side and make sure they get the best care. But without these documents, you may not have the legal authority to do any of that.
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How to Set Up a Healthcare Directive for Your Child
The good news? Setting up a healthcare directive is a lot easier than you might think. The common documents you will need are:
- Healthcare Proxy: This document designates someone, like a parent, to make medical decisions on your child’s behalf if they’re unable to do so.
- HIPAA Authorization: Without this, healthcare providers cannot share medical information with you, even if your child is in the hospital.
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Where to Store Your Documents
When our son, Drew, turned 18 a couple of years ago, we chose to use MamaBear, a parental control app, to store his healthcare directive along with other important documents. It’s an easy way we can all access them anytime, anywhere. But there are plenty of other tools out there, like:
- Google Drive or Dropbox - Make it safe by password-protecting it
- Mind Your Loved Ones (MYLO) - An app specifically geared towards advanced care directives and critical medical information
- Everplans - A platform that will help you organize and easily share important documents
The key is to choose a method that’s easy to update and sharebecause life and healthcare laws can change. You can also store your documents in a physical folder kept in a safe place at home, but digital is often the most convenient while your child is away at college.
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Final Thoughts
Emma’s first semester of college is exciting, but it’s also a reminder that our kids are growing up. Don't be left in the dark during a crisis. Take the time to set up a healthcare directive. It’s about giving your child the gift of security and ensuring you can be there for them, no matter what.
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Do you have questions about your child's future? Chambers Bay Wealth Management is happy to answer. Reach out today.