Kamlager-Dove, Bacon, Evans Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Medicaid Eligibility for Foster Youth

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) led Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) and Congressman Dwight Evans (PA-03) in introducing the bipartisan Expanding Coverage for Former Foster Youth Act to expand Medicaid eligibility for our nation’s foster youth. This is companion legislation to the Senate bill introduced by Senator Bob Casey (D-PA).

“We must support the health care needs of the more than 23,000 youth who age out of our nation’s foster care system each year,” said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. “We know – and the research shows – that 60% of foster youth experience chronic health conditions, but without access to insurance, they are unable to get the care they need. As a Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, I am glad to continue to work with my colleagues in a bipartisan manner to fix the gaps in our nation’s foster care system to ensure our foster youth have access to the resources they need from critical health care to education and employment and beyond.” 

“Having access to healthcare can make the transition to adulthood easier for former foster youth,” said Congressman Bacon. “Without a traditional support system, foster youth face an increased risk of chronic illness and need for mental health care. Ensuring that former foster youth are eligible for Medicaid helps prevent these youth from falling through the cracks.”

“I’m proud to co-lead the Expanded Coverage for Former Foster Youth Act, which would remove a major barrier to better health and success in life for foster youth! I want to thank Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove for her leadership on this issue, and I want to thank my senior home-state Senator Bob Casey for his leadership in introducing the companion bill in the Senate,” said Congressman Evans. 

“Foster youth face tremendous barriers compared to their peers, and we have an obligation to ensure these young adults have the resources, services, and opportunities they need to succeed in life,” said Senator Casey. “Health care is one of the essential building blocks for a strong start in life, and the Expanding Coverage for Former Foster Youth Act will make it easier for foster youth to reach their full potential.”

The Expanding Coverage for Former Foster Youth Act will:

• Eliminate the unnecessary and unfair limitation that youth must be enrolled in Medicaid while they were in the system to qualify for Medicaid to 26;
• Expand eligibility for Medicaid to 26 coverage to former foster youth who were in the system but exited foster care to a legal guardianship with a kinship caregiver;
• Expand eligibility for Medicaid to 26 to former foster youth who emancipate from foster care prior to turning 18; and
• Require state Medicaid programs to work with state child welfare agencies to establish outreach and enrollment programs for this coverage. These outreach programs will be run in accordance with best practices established by HHS.

To read the full bill text, click here.

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