H.R. 10677: Expanded Coverage for Former Foster Youth Act

This bill would change Medicaid rules so that more young people who were in foster care can keep getting coverage after they age out.

What changes to coverage

Under current law, many former foster youth can qualify for Medicaid after leaving foster care. This bill would expand that protection by requiring coverage for people who:

• Are under age 26;
• Are not already covered under certain other Medicaid eligibility categories, or whose income is too high for those categories; and
• Were in foster care under state responsibility when they turned 18, or at a state’s chosen older age, or were in foster care and later left for a kinship guardianship, or were emancipated before age 18.

In practical terms, the bill would make sure former foster youth can continue to qualify for Medicaid until age 26, rather than losing eligibility earlier.

When it would take effect

The coverage expansion would start on January 1, 2027. It would apply to people who turn 18 on or after that date.

Enrollment outreach

The bill would also require states to set up an outreach and enrollment program by January 1, 2027. This program would be designed to help eligible former foster youth sign up for Medicaid. States would have to coordinate this effort with the state agency that oversees foster care and with other relevant agencies, and follow best practices set by the federal government.

Relevant Companies

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