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 Texas. 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 Texas's Ombudsman, at 1-512-239-4000.
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 campaign for more information about this program!For application assistance, call the Texas Foster Youth Justice Project at 1-877-313-3688.
Texas does not have a foster-specific application.
Instead, you should have been automatically enrolled in Medicaid til 26 when you aged out of the system.
If you aged out before the ACA went into effect or were not auto-enrolled for some other reason, you will need to complete a general Medicaid application to begin receiving coverage. Check out the “How can I apply?” section for more information!
Texas does not have auto-coverage renewal.
This means that you will need to recertify your information annually in order to continue receiving coverage. 3-4 months before your health care benefits are set to expire, you should receive a reminder in the mail. This mailer will include instructions about how to renew your coverage online. If you do not renew your coverage online, your coverage will be terminated. Be sure to be on the lookout for this mailer! Keep your address updated with your state Medicaid office!Yes! Texas has auto-enrollment.
This means that, if you aged out of foster care in Texas, you do not need to complete a new application before you are able to receive health care coverage.Texas does not provide coverage to relocators.
This means that, if you were in care in another state and then moved to Texas, 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
RESOURCES
Texas Youth Connection
Visit WebsiteTexas Youth Connection provides an array of resources for young people with lived foster care experience. This website can lead you to the right individual and or organization for support in College/Higher Education, Housing, Independent Living (IL) Services, Leadership Opportunity, Life Skills, Complaints, Job search,... Read more
Texas: HAY The Houston Alumni & Youth Center
Visit WebsiteLife Skills Classes and Assessments The Casey Life Skills Assessments is administered to youth and their primary caregiver to assist in development of an Independent Living Plan. The assigned case manager works with the State PAL Coordinator, the substitute care (CVS) worker, youth, and foster... Read more
Texas: Foster Care Ombudsman
Visit WebsiteTheir help includes: Making sure youth understand their rights while in foster care Reviewing a youth's concerns about case-specific questions and complaints With a youth's permission, working with other people to improve their care. If you have a hearing or speech disability, call the toll-free... Read more
Texas Independent Living Program
Visit WebsiteIndependent Living (IL) Programs help current and former foster youth reach their independent living goals, providing services for education, employment, housing, budgeting and building a support network to assist youth as they transition to adulthood. Additional information can be found on this PDF handout with... Read more
Texas Education and Training Voucher Program (ETV)
Visit WebsiteThe Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program allows Texas to help current and former foster youth and young adults, youth adopted at age 16, and youth that enter Permanency Care Assistance at age 16 to make a smoother transition to a successful adulthood by providing... Read more