States would provide Medicaid coverage for eligible former foster youth

States would provide Medicaid to former foster youth who meet the eligibility rules. People must be under 26 and have been in state foster care at 18 or a higher state-selected age, left care for legal guardianship with a kinship caregiver, or become legally independent from care before 18. Applicants must neither fall within nor be enrolled in certain other Medicaid groups, or fall within one but exceed its income limit. Kinship guardianship payments would not affect eligibility. The eligibility rules would take effect January 1, 2027, and apply to people who turn 18 on or after that date.

States would establish outreach and enrollment programs for eligible former foster youth. Programs would help people eligible for Medicaid under the former foster youth coverage rules enroll. States would coordinate with their foster-care agencies and other appropriate or interested agencies. Programs would follow best practices set by the federal health secretary. States would have to establish these programs no later than January 1, 2027.