A doctor or health care professional, in good faith, trusts your statements about your circumstances, and may treat you without getting your parent’s consent.
A doctor or health care professional may tell your parents about treatments they gave you or treatments you need if they feel that it’s not safe to keep the information from your parents.
Many family doctors treat their minor patients confidentially, but if you’re not sure, ask beforehand.
If you get treatment and use your parent’s insurance information, the insurance company sends your parents a notice about the services.
If you give consent for health services, the bills are your responsibility.
You can go to a public health clinic to get confidential advice and treatment. These clinics are usually cheaper and/or make it easier for minors to pay.
You may be able to get Medical Assistance (MA). For more information go to www.mnsure.org. You can read about the programs and apply online. Note: if you are eligible for MA, you can apply anytime during the year.
If you have a medical, dental, or mental health emergency and you need help with it right away, a doctor can treat you without getting your parent’s consent.
