Welcome!
Hello, young people! Below are some great contacts to help answer questions and resolve issues:
FosterClub has a dedicated team of folks to help you find what you need in Indiana. Call them at 503-717-1552 or email them here. They can help you find resources to help you transition to adulthood and connect you to leadership opportunities.
Healthcare for Former Foster Youth (FFY).
Did you know that former foster youth have access to free Medicaid after they turn 18 until their 26th birthday? Qualification for FFY to access Medicaid is not dependant on employment or education status. Check out the #Healthcare FFY for more information about this program!To apply online, visit here.
To apply by phone, call 1-800-403-0864.
To apply in person, go to your local Division of Family Resources (DFR) office.
Indiana does not have a foster-specific application.
To apply, you will need to fill out the general Medicaid application for Indiana
Yes! Indiana has auto-coverage renewal.
If you aged out of foster care in Indiana, once you have Medicaid under the former foster youth category, your coverage will be continuous until the month of your 26 birthday. There is no need for you to re-apply!
However, if you relocated to Indiana and are receiving Medicaid coverage based on your income, parental status, etc., you do need to renew your coverage annually.
You will receive an annual mailer asking you to verify your information. Make sure to return this mailer, or else your coverage may lapse. Be sure to keep your address up to date with your state Medicaid office so that you do not miss this information!
Yes! Indiana does have auto-enrollment.
This means that, if you age out of care in Indiana, you do not need to complete a new application before you are able to receive health care coverage. Be sure to ask your caseworker to ensure that you were enrolled in Medicaid til 26 benefits!Indiana does not provide coverage to relocators.
This means that, if you were in care in another state and then moved to Indiana, you would not be eligible for Medicaid til 26. You may still be able to get health insurance through…- Your employer
- Your school
- Medicaid if you are eligible based on another category. This includes if you are pregnant or a parent or if you qualify based on your income. Check your state’s website for more information.
- Free or low-cost insurance from your state's Affordable Care Act marketplace.
BLOGS
Webinar: Older Youth Pandemic Relief: State Spotlights- Implementation in Indiana
By dominiquefreeman — May 21, 2021
On May 19th, 2021, FosterClub and Youth Law Center hosted a webinar with Child Welfare service providers and advocates focused on implementing the older youth provisions in the Consolidated Appropriations Act currently being done in Indiana. In this... Read more
Demetrius Jackson
By Adam@fosterclub — Dec 15, 2017
Demetrius Jackson was the all-time leading scorer in St. Joseph County with 1,934 career points and the first McDonald’s All-American from northern Indiana since future NBA All-Star Shawn Kemp earned the honor in 1988. He also experienced foster... Read more
RESOURCES
Choices Coordinated Care Solutions - Indiana
Visit WebsiteYouth and families are referred to Choices in different ways but are typically enrolled by states or counties with whom we partner. We also partner directly with schools and managed care entities. Choices provides a care coordinator for each child and family we serve. The... Read more
Aspire Indiana
Visit WebsiteA fully integrated health care provider, Aspire offers both primary medical and behavioral health care, but also addresses social determinants of health like employment and housing. Our support programs include addiction services, individual and group therapy, infectious disease, youth and family services, crisis management, rehabilitation,... Read more
Pandemic Support Resource - Indiana
Visit WebsiteThe recent Consolidated Appropriations Act set aside emergency relief for young people with foster care experience who are struggling because of the Pandemic. Each state is able to decide how the funds will be applied to the youth in their care. In Indiana , there... Read more
Child Services Ombudsman Bureau - Indiana
Visit WebsiteOmbudsman is a Swedish word that means "representative" or "agent." Ombudsman or Child Advocates were established within states and/or Child Welfare to investigate complaints, concerns, or violations of children right's while in foster care. The Indiana Ombudsman's office receives, investigates, and attempts to resolve complaints... Read more
Indiana: Education & Training Voucher (ETV)
Visit WebsiteThe Indiana Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program is a federally funded, state-administered program that provides financial and academic support for young adults who’ve left the foster care system and are enrolled in qualified colleges, universities, or vocational education programs.Read more