This legislation aims to significantly expand continuous eligibility for children enrolled in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). It extends the period of continuous eligibility for newborns from one year to six years of age under both programs, ensuring stable coverage during early childhood. For children aged six through eighteen, the bill mandates a 24-month continuous eligibility period under Medicaid, an increase from the current 12 months. Furthermore, it ensures that former foster youth remain eligible for Medicaid benefits until they reach 26 years of age , adjusting the effective date for this provision to cover more individuals sooner. States will also be required to annually obtain updated contact information for individuals enrolled under continuous eligibility and inform them of their enrollment status and remaining coverage duration.
This legislation aims to significantly expand continuous eligibility for children enrolled in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). It extends the period of continuous eligibility for newborns from one year to six years of age under both programs, ensuring stable coverage during early childhood. For children aged six through eighteen, the bill mandates a 24-month continuous eligibility period under Medicaid, an increase from the current 12 months. Furthermore, it ensures that former foster youth remain eligible for Medicaid benefits until they reach 26 years of age , adjusting the effective date for this provision to cover more individuals sooner. States will also be required to annually obtain updated contact information for individuals enrolled under continuous eligibility and inform them of their enrollment status and remaining coverage duration.