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 Michigan. 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.
For problems or complaints, contact Michigan's Ombudsman, at 1-517-373-3077.
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 #Healthcare FFY for more information about this program!If you aged out of foster care in Michigan, you should have been automatically enrolled in Medicaid til 26 and should not need to apply. Ask your caseworker to make sure that this process was completed!
If you for some reason were not automatically enrolled in coverage, you can apply for Medicaid til 26 benefits by visiting the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Make sure to check “yes” when asked if you are a former foster youth in order to qualify for Medicaid til 26 benefits!
If you need assistance filling out the application, you can call 1-800-975-7630. Make sure to tell them that you are a former foster youth applying for Medicaid benefits until age 26 under the Former Foster Youth provision of the Affordable Care Act!
Because Michigan has auto-enrollment, you should not need to apply for Medicaid til 26 benefits!
You should have been enrolled as part of your case closure process. Because most FFY are automatically enrolled, Michigan does not have a foster-specific application. If for some reason you were not automatically enrolled, you will need to fill out a general Medicaid application. See the “How can I apply?” section for more details!
Michigan has auto-coverage renewal!
This means that, 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!Michigan does have auto-enrollment.
This means that, if you age out of care in Michigan, 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!Michigan does not provide coverage to relocators.
This means that, if you were in care in another state and then moved to Michigan, 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.
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!For more information, check out the Additional Resources for Teens, Young Adults, Foster Parents and Supporting Adults on the Oregon Department of Human Services website.
Oregon does not have a foster-specific application.
To apply, you will need to fill out the general Medicaid application for Oregon
Oregon does not have auto-coverage renewal.
In order to maintain your coverage, you will need to update your information annually.Each year, you should receive a paper form in the mail. Make sure to fill this form out and send it back. If you do not, you risk losing your coverage. You can also renew your coverage online. Be sure to report any changes of address to the Oregon Medicaid office to make sure that you receive these annual renewal forms!
Oregon does not have auto-enrollment.
This means that, if you are eligible for Medicaid til 26 in Oregon, you will need to complete a new application before you are able to receive health care coverage. However, if you are still in care, your caseworker is supposed to help you fill out the application as part of your transition plan. Be sure to ask your caseworker about Medicaid til 26 and what you need to do to get coverage!Oregon does not provide coverage to relocators.
This means that, if you were in care in another state and then moved to Oregon, 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
Change Is On Its Way In Michigan
By coxange1 — Oct 28, 2015
After interning for FosterClub this summer, I made a promise to myself that I would continue my advocacy work with foster youth once I returned to Michigan. When I got back I spent two rigorous weeks lobbying on behalf of a Foster Children’s Bill of... Read more
Thank You for Making My Life Better
By brownm — Jun 10, 2010
i am feeling home sick today and miss my biological older sister and older brother a lot. i miss my parents who saved my life. i am greatful for all that they do for me and i want to thank them for taking me in to thier home and lives. They gave me... Read more
Being Happy—in Spite of Rejection by My Birth Family for Being Gay
By FC Steve — Jan 10, 2009
The following story was featured in the Fall 2009 Issue of The Connection Magazine, from CASA Download Original Story From my birth, being gay has been against my family’s way of life. Because of my family and their religious views, my... Read more
Guardianships help children leave foster care
By FC Steve — Dec 4, 2008
I would like to read you two definitions of one word. The first is: to make strenuous or violent efforts in the face of difficulties or opposition, the next is: to proceed with difficulty or with great effort. My friends, this is the definition of... Read more
Foster Youth Who "Age Out" are Forced to Become Adults Before They are Ready
By FC Steve — Dec 2, 2008
Each year, more than 650 Michigan youth “age out” of foster care, leaving the system with no permanent family or place to call home. When I aged out, I was in the middle of my senior year of high school. I had no safe place to live, no job, no... Read more
RESOURCES
The Bridge of Arbor Circle - Shelter
Visit Websitebridge overview Along with offering a variety of supportive programs, The Bridge helps connect youth to their peers, learn new skills, and find resources to reconnect with their families, schools and community. The program provides crisis shelter, counseling, case management, group support, youth activities and... Read more
Michigan: ETV (Education & Training Voucher)
Visit WebsiteThe Education and Training Voucher (ETV) is an annual federal grant provided to states to fund youth who have aged out of the foster care system and who are enrolled in college, university, and vocational training programs. Students may receive up to $5,000 a year... Read more
Michigan: Housing Resources
Visit WebsiteThe website above is pdf. list of housing support providers across Michigan. Please do not be discouraged by the title of the document. You will need to call to see which provider can support your individual need.Read more
One-Page Guides "Getting to Know..." Series - Michigan
Visit WebsiteFostering Success Michigan is a statewide organization that aims to increase access to and success in higher education and post-college careers for young adults with experience in the foster care system. The Organization provides many different services and information. The "Getting to Know..." series features... Read more
The New Foster Care - Michigan
Visit WebsiteThe New Foster Care is a non-profit organization whose vision is to positively CHANGE a child's trajectory, CHANGE their life, CHANGE the system; create a NEW Foster Care. The New Foster Care aims to influence change in the foster care system by: Providing direct service... Read more