US: States Could Have the Opportunity to Bolster and Speed Up Coverage for Former Foster Care Youth (Commentary)
Center for Children and Families, Georgetown University Health Policy Institute – June 25, 2021
One of the most bipartisan provisions of the Affordable Care Act extended Medicaid coverage for youth aging out of the foster care system until age 26 if they were enrolled before their 18th birthday. While statements from the policy’s champions indicated that Congressional intent was to have this provision apply broadly, the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services interpreted it narrowly, giving states the option to deny coverage for former foster youth if they aged out of the foster system in another state. Thankfully Congress rectified this policy glitch in 2018 through the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, and current law requires every state to offer Medicaid coverage to any former foster youth up to age 26 starting January 1, 2023.
Also: How Would Medicaid Provisions of New Law to Address Opioid Epidemic Impact Children? (Commentary): https://ccf.georgetown.edu/2018/10/24/how-would-medicaid-provisions-of-new-law-to-address-opioid-epidemic-impact-children/

States Could Have the Opportunity to Bolster and Speed Up Coverage for Former Foster Care Youth