How Former Foster Youth Keep Medicaid Coverage Through Age 26

Former foster youth can stay on Medicaid until age 26 if they were in state care at 18

If you were in the foster care system on your 18th birthday — whether in a group home, with a relative, or in another placement — you have the right to keep Medicaid through age 26. This is called Medicaid continuation for former foster youth, and it is automatic in most states once you turn 18, though you may need to take a step to confirm it stays active.

The coverage does not change when you turn 18 or move out. You keep the same Medicaid card and the same benefits you had as a minor. The state pays for it, not you, and it does not matter whether you are working, in school, living alone, or living with family. The only thing that matters is that you were in foster care on your 18th birthday.

This right exists in all 50 states, but the process for keeping your coverage varies by state. Some states renew it automatically. Others require you to send in a form or call to confirm you still want it. If you do nothing and your coverage lapses, you can usually get it back by contacting your state Medicaid office or your former caseworker.

Key Takeaways

• You keep Medicaid from age 18 to 26 if you were in foster care on your 18th birthday, regardless of your current living situation or income.
• In most states, the coverage continues automatically, but some states require you to confirm you want to keep it by returning a form or calling.
• Your state Medicaid office, your former caseworker, or your state's foster care agency can tell you whether your coverage is active and what you need to do to maintain it.
• If your coverage ends before age 26, you can usually restore it by contacting your state Medicaid office and providing proof you were in foster care at 18.
• At age 26, your Medicaid ends unless you may have access to for coverage under a different category, such as pregnancy, disability, or low income.

How to confirm your Medicaid is still active

The first step is to find out whether your state automatically renews foster youth Medicaid or requires you to take action. Call your state Medicaid office — the number is on any Medicaid card you have, or you can search "[your state] Medicaid" online. Tell them you were in foster care at 18 and ask whether your coverage is currently active.

If your state requires you to renew, ask what form to send in and where to send it. Some states use a simple postcard or online form. Others ask you to provide a copy of your foster care discharge papers or a letter from your former caseworker confirming you were in care at 18. Keep a copy of anything you send.

If you have a former caseworker or a connection to your state's foster care agency, they can also help you confirm your status. Many states have a Independent Living Program or youth services coordinator who works specifically with former foster youth and can walk you through the renewal process.

What happens if your coverage lapses

If you miss a renewal deadline or your coverage stops for any reason, you have options to restore it. Contact your state Medicaid office and explain that you were in foster care at 18 and your coverage ended. You will likely need to provide proof — a discharge letter from foster care, a court order, or a letter from your caseworker stating the dates you were in care.

Restoration is usually faster than a new application because the state already has your records. In many states, coverage can be restored retroactively, meaning it covers medical bills from the date it ended, not just from the date you reapply. Ask the Medicaid office whether your state does this.

If you are having trouble getting your coverage back, contact your state's foster care ombudsman or a legal aid organization that works with foster youth. Many states have free legal clinics specifically for former foster youth.

What this Medicaid covers

Your coverage includes doctor visits, hospital care, emergency services, prescription medications, mental health and substance use treatment, and dental and vision care. The exact benefits vary slightly by state, but all states must cover the basics for young adults on this program.

You do not pay a premium, copay, or deductible for most services. Some states charge a small copay for certain prescriptions or non-emergency services, but it is usually a few dollars. If you cannot afford even a small copay, tell the provider and ask whether they can waive it.

What changes when you turn 26

Your Medicaid for former foster youth ends on your 26th birthday. After that, you do not automatically may have access to for Medicaid unless you meet a different category — such as being pregnant, having a disability, or having income low enough to may have access to under your state's regular Medicaid rules.

Before you turn 26, contact your state Medicaid office and ask whether you might may have access to under another category. If you do not, ask about other coverage options, such as the health insurance marketplace or your employer's plan if you have a job. Some states also have programs specifically for young adults aging out of foster care that can help you find affordable coverage.

If you were in foster care but not on your 18th birthday

This program is only for youth who were in state foster care on their 18th birthday. If you aged out of care before 18, or if you were in private kinship care or informal arrangements, you do not have this right.

However, you may still may have access to for Medicaid under other rules. Contact your state Medicaid office and explain your situation. If your income is low enough, you may may have access to for regular Medicaid. If not, you can look into marketplace plans or other coverage options.

Keeping your coverage when you move states

If you move to a different state after turning 18, your Medicaid ends in your old state. You will need to apply for Medicaid in your new state. Contact the new state's Medicaid office and tell them you were in foster care at 18 in your previous state. They will ask for proof — usually a discharge letter or court document from the old state.

The new state must cover you under the same foster youth program, so you will still have coverage until 26. The process usually takes a few weeks, so apply as soon as you know you are moving. In the meantime, ask your old state's Medicaid office whether they can extend your coverage temporarily while you apply in the new state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I lose Medicaid if I get a job or go to college?

No. Your income and school status do not affect this coverage. You keep Medicaid until 26 no matter how much you earn or whether you are working full-time, part-time, or not at all. The same is true if you are in school, out of school, or both.

What if I was adopted out of foster care before age 18?

If you were adopted and the adoption was finalized before your 18th birthday, you do not may have access to for this program. However, some states have separate Medicaid programs for youth who were adopted from foster care. Contact your state Medicaid office to ask whether you may have access to under a different category.

Can I use my Medicaid in any state, or only the state where I was in foster care?

Your Medicaid works in any state while you are covered. However, if you move to a new state permanently, you need to apply for Medicaid in that state. Your old state's coverage will end, and your new state must cover you under its foster youth program until you turn 26.

What if I was in foster care in one state but turned 18 in another state?

You may have access to for coverage in the state where you were in foster care on your 18th birthday, not the state where you currently live. Contact that state's Medicaid office and provide proof of your foster care status. If you have moved, you can usually apply by mail or phone.

Does this coverage include dental and vision?

Most states include dental and vision care for young adults on this program, though the scope varies. Some states cover routine cleanings and exams but not major work. Call your state Medicaid office or check your Medicaid card to see what is covered in your state.