Did you know that if you aged out of foster care, you're likely eligible for state funded health care until age 26? Most adults who have health insurance have to pay out of pocket or receive it through their place of employment. Those young adult years can be complicated as you get settled into a vision for work and then access resources like health insurance. Don't get caught with medical bills that can bury you in debt for a long time!

Understanding health insurace can be confusing - for those navigating life after foster care, it can feel impossible. Let us help.

Check out this one-page Medicaid for Former Foster Youth Guide  - print it out and take it with you to a meeting with your Independent Living Case Worker or someone at your local Benefits office. Often times, you can apply for Medicaid, SNAP (Food Stamps) and other supports all at the same time.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Between ages 18-26 (ending on your 26th birthday) and have been in foster care or had an open child welfare case at age 18.
• “The Support Act” now allows young adults who turn 18 after January 1, 2023 coverage in any state as long as they are otherwise eligible. This means that if you moved from the state where you were in foster care to a different state, you can still access this benefit if you turned 18 before January 1, 2023.

Reasons to Sign Up:

1. It's FREE. You can save your money for school, rent, food, and other things you need.
2. You are eligible until your 26th Birthday. Check with your local benefits office to find out if you’re eligible and what you need to do to renew your coverage each year.
3. Eligibility not based on income. Medicaid usually includes income requirements, but there are no income requirements for former foster youth.
4. Your health matters. If you are not healthy, it’s hard to meet your goals.
5. Good health insurance and health care can help you stay well.

Pro Tips!

• Say you are a former foster youth when applying at your local Medicaid office or online.
• Ask if there is a special application to apply for Medicaid as a former foster youth.
• Learn your state’s process for renewal -sometimes you have to complete new paperwork every year, other times it is automatically renewed.
• Know your state’s situation. Every state is a little different.
• Advocate for yourself by ensuring health care coverage is part of your transition plan.
• Talk to your caseworker, ILP worker, CASA, or another supportive adult to double check.