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Expanded Coverage for Former Foster Youth Act

3/13/2024, 10:20 PM

Summary of Bill S 2837

Bill 118 s 2837, also known as the Expanded Coverage for Former Foster Youth Act, aims to provide additional support and resources for young adults who have aged out of the foster care system. The bill recognizes that many former foster youth face unique challenges as they transition into adulthood and aims to address some of these challenges by expanding access to healthcare coverage.

Specifically, the bill proposes to extend Medicaid coverage for former foster youth up to the age of 26, regardless of their income level. This extension would provide these young adults with access to essential healthcare services, including mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and preventative care.

Additionally, the bill seeks to improve coordination between state Medicaid programs and child welfare agencies to ensure that former foster youth are aware of and able to access the healthcare coverage available to them. This coordination is crucial in ensuring that these vulnerable young adults receive the support they need to thrive as they navigate the challenges of adulthood. Overall, the Expanded Coverage for Former Foster Youth Act aims to address the gaps in healthcare coverage that many former foster youth face as they age out of the system. By extending Medicaid coverage and improving coordination between agencies, the bill seeks to provide these young adults with the support they need to lead healthy and successful lives.

Congressional Summary of S 2837

Expanded Coverage for Former Foster Youth Act

This bill modifies provisions relating to the coverage of former foster youth under Medicaid.

Under current law, a state Medicaid program must cover former foster youth until the age of 26 if the youth were in a state's foster care system at the age of 18 and were enrolled in a state's Medicaid program while in foster care. The bill requires state Medicaid programs to also cover former foster youth who were placed in a legal guardianship with a kinship caregiver or were emancipated from foster care before the age of 18. The bill repeals the provision that requires former foster youth to have been enrolled in a state Medicaid program while in foster care in order to qualify for Medicaid coverage until the age of 26.

The bill also requires states to establish Medicaid outreach and enrollment programs for former foster youth.

Current Status of Bill S 2837

Bill S 2837 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since September 19, 2023. Bill S 2837 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on September 19, 2023.  Bill S 2837's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. as of September 19, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 2837

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
0
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 2837

Primary Policy Focus

Health

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 2837

Expanded Coverage for Former Foster Youth Act
Expanded Coverage for Former Foster Youth Act
A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to ensure health insurance coverage continuity for former foster youth.

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