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 New York. 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 New York's Ombudsman, at 1-212-669-7200.
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 care in New York, you should not need to apply!
If you have questions, ask your caseworker!
For more detailed information, check out this brochure about Medicaid til 26 in New York!If you did not age out of care in New York, you can apply for Medicaid online, by phone, or in-person.
- To apply online, visit the New York State of Health website.
- To apply by phone, call the Medicaid helpline at 1-(800)-541-2831
- To apply in-person, you can visit your local District Social Services Office.
New York does not have a foster-specific application.
Since you should be automatically enrolled in coverage as you age out of care, you do not need to apply!
If you did not age out of foster care in New York, check the “How can I apply?” section for information on applying for Medicaid as a non-former foster youth.
New York 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!New York has auto-enrollment!
This means that, if you aged out of foster care in New York, you do not need to complete a new application before you are able to receive health care coverage. As you age out of care, New York’s data system should automatically identify you as eligible and transfer you to the Medicaid til 26 category. Make sure to ask your caseworker about this process!New York does not provide coverage to relocators.
This means that, if you were in care in another state and then moved to New York, 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
From Homeless To Advocate
By joe18 — Sep 10, 2018
What is the epidemic of homelessness? Why does it seem it is affecting so many people? For me, it is as simple and as complicated as spending every last dollar only to bounce from couch to couch. Then, spending all my time and resources worrying... Read more
My Health Choice Challenge
By Cody Rivera — Feb 19, 2018
After a knee blow-out, Cody was faced with a difficult choice: face surgery alone, or move to family and lose health care coverage? Life’s challenges test the strongest people and as a former foster youth, I am no exception. I almost missed one of... Read more
Carolin in Herkimer NY
By Isaiah — Dec 9, 2009
Last night, with the Herkimer County Community College, Alumni Foundation and the HCCC Gospel Choir we went to four different Nursing home and sung traditional christmas song. I talked to serveral of the elderly people within the four homes and they... Read more
Advocates Fear City Budget Cuts Will Put Children at Risk
By FC Steve — Apr 27, 2009
By Julie Bosman, New York Times , Apr 26, 2009, New York –- The threat of more than $83 million in budget cuts at New York City’s child-welfare agency has left advocates for children afraid that recent improvements in its operations,... Read more
RESOURCES
New York: New Yorkers for Children
Visit WebsiteThis resource provides wraparound support to current and former foster youth, enrolled in college in New York City. Scholarship Resource: http://www.newyorkersforchildren.org/campaigns/nicholas-scoppetta-schola... THE PROGRAM The NYFC Nick’s Scholars Program is a working partnership between the private sector, foster care agencies, and colleges in New York City... Read more
New York: Foster Care Complaints
Visit WebsiteThe Office of the Ombudsman (OOTO) is part of the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). The role of OOTO is to help protect the legal rights of youth who reside at certain sites. These sites include the following: Residential placements administered by OCFS... Read more
New York Education and Training Voucher Program (ETV)
Visit WebsiteThe New York Education and Training Voucher Program is a federally-funded, state-administered program designed to help youth who were in U.S. foster care. Students may receive up to $5,000 a year for qualified school related expenses. Funding is limited and available on a first-come, first-served... Read more
New York Medicaid: My State of Health
Visit WebsiteMedicaid is basic health insurance that is available to foster youth or former foster youth who are eligible. The information provided should help you apply. Applicants can apply directly online for insurance.Read more