Former foster youth are entitled to health care coverage up to the age of 26.
Why it matters
When youth age out of foster care, having health care is important for staying healthy and dealing with any past trauma. Health coverage until age 26 helps make sure former foster youth can get the care they need. Without health care, young people might struggle with big problems that affect their education, jobs, and overall well-being. Medicaid makes sure they can get the support they need to succeed, giving them a safety net to build a better future.
Quick Facts
- Former foster youth are nearly twice as likely to experience mental health issues. (PubMed)
- Around 50% of youth who age out of foster care have chronic health conditions. (NFYI)
- Former foster youth are four times more likely to have unmet medical needs. (Congressional Research Service)
“I think that the need to do outreach is so important. Had it not been for some former foster youth campaigning and doing outreach I would not have found out that I could get insurance and I honestly don’t know if I would have still been here today.”
— Dashun Jackson, He/Him, Spent 4 years in Nevada’s foster care system
Tools You Can Use
- Learn & Share: Read firsthand experiences from foster youth about the challenges of accessing health care: Yeshi's Story, Christina's Story, and Leticia's Story.
- Connect to Resources: Explore FosterClub's comprehensive list of healthcare resources in the HelpHub.
- Apply for Coverage: The Juvenile Law Center’s State-by-State Health Care Guide provides step-by-step instructions on applying for Medicaid coverage in each state.
How we're working on this issue
National Collaborative for Transition-Age Youth
Through the National Collaborative for Transition-Age Youth, we partner with young people and public agencies to improve support for youth aging out of care, including access to health care. See their resource:
#HealthCareFFY Campaign
Through the #HealthCareFFY Campaign, we work with youth, supportive adults, and advocates to ensure all former foster youth have health insurance and access to quality health care until at least age 26.
Partnering with Lived Experience Leaders
Foster youth face unique health challenges that most people never see. FosterClub works with Lived Experience (LEx) Leaders to make sure their health care stories and perspectives shape better policies and outcomes.
“I could have lost my health care if I had left New York to go to Texas for a surgery that I needed. Losing my health care could have jeopardized all of my hard work and progress toward earning my college degree.”
— Cody Rivera, He/Him, Spent 12 years in New York’s Foster Care System
Want to Learn More?
FosterClub's Guide to Health Insurance for current and former foster youth.
Medicaid Coverage for Former Foster Youth Up to Age 26 from the Congressional Research Service.
Improving Access to Medicaid Coverage for Former Foster Youth with the SUPPORT Act: Tips for Advocates
Blogs on Health Care for Former Foster Youth
Health Care for Former Foster Youth: FREE Medicaid Until age 26!
Finding Balance: A Summit on Youth Well-Being (Oregon)
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