This bill aims to ensure continuous health insurance coverage for young adults who have experienced the foster care system by expanding Medicaid eligibility. It amends the Social Security Act to include individuals under 26 years of age who were in foster care under state responsibility on their 18th birthday, or who left foster care for a legal kinship guardianship, or were emancipated before age 18. The legislation clarifies that these individuals are eligible for Medicaid even if their income exceeds the limits for other categories. Furthermore, it mandates that states establish comprehensive outreach and enrollment programs by January 1, 2026. These programs, developed in coordination with relevant state agencies, are designed to increase the enrollment of eligible former foster youth into Medicaid, following best practices established by the Secretary.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Health
Expanded Coverage for Former Foster Youth Act
USA119th CongressS-2077| Senate
| Updated: 6/12/2025
This bill aims to ensure continuous health insurance coverage for young adults who have experienced the foster care system by expanding Medicaid eligibility. It amends the Social Security Act to include individuals under 26 years of age who were in foster care under state responsibility on their 18th birthday, or who left foster care for a legal kinship guardianship, or were emancipated before age 18. The legislation clarifies that these individuals are eligible for Medicaid even if their income exceeds the limits for other categories. Furthermore, it mandates that states establish comprehensive outreach and enrollment programs by January 1, 2026. These programs, developed in coordination with relevant state agencies, are designed to increase the enrollment of eligible former foster youth into Medicaid, following best practices established by the Secretary.