Brief Basics
This brief shares 7 tips for state and child welfare agencies to consider as they work to extend Medicaid coverage to former foster care youth under the age of 26.
Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, youth transitioning out of foster care can now receive Medicaid coverage up to age 26. This brief highlights the policy change and shares seven ways that states and agencies can work to improve both health insurance access and health outcomes among recent foster care alums.
Per the Affordable Care Act, states must now offer extended Medicaid coverage to young people who were in foster care on or after their 18th birthday. This change – which requires access to full benefits until age 26 — applies to any youth who turned 18 in foster care since 2007.