(18-25yo)
You do not have to disclose your medical history to anyone.
You have a right to equal access.
You have a right to not be discriminated against for your medical needs.
Relevant laws should also go here.
- It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout.
- It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout.
- It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout.
- It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout.
- It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout.
Advocacy
- There is no better advocate for you than yourself.
- You know how you are feeling better than anyone else.
- Don’t be a doormat: Your needs are important, don’t let others convince you otherwise.
- Be assertive without being aggressive.
- Be Resolute: Your medical needs are not something that can be compromised.
Insurance
- Consider all options that you have available when you turn 18.
- You can sometimes stay on parents’ insurance until 25.
- Have the discussion with your parents to see if this option makes sense based on their insurance offerings.
- If you must obtain your own plan, look at co-pays and deductibles for various plan types available to you – specifically how they cover ostomy supplies and
- Durable Medical Equipment (DME).
- Link to existing article on UOAA
Miscommunication
- Make sure that you communicate your needs clearly.
- Get the other party to repeat what you said in their own words so you know that you are on the same page.
Emergency & Supplies
Connect with your local UOAA Support Group chapter.
- There may be members who have extra supplies that fit and work with you.
- They may have an “Ostomy Pantry” of extra donated supplies.
Hope, support, and finding community
Parent Stories
These webpages are funded by a grant from Hollister Incorporated.
Contact Us
United Ostomy Associations of America
P.O. Box 2293
Biddeford, ME 04005-2293
Call us toll-free at: 1-800-826-0826.
Our Information Line hours are Monday-Friday, 9am to 3pm EST. If you have an emergency, please dial 911 or contact your local medical professional.
Please understand that UOAA is a private, nonprofit, advocacy and informational organization. We are not a medical facility and we do not have medical or legal professionals on staff. Therefore, UOAA does not provide Medical, Mental Health, Insurance or Legal Advice. Visit UOAA Virtual Ostomy Clinic provided by The Wound Company for non-emergency, virtual ostomy support.
