Former Foster Youth now have Access to Affordable Health Care

Help Spread the Word!  Expanded Medicaid Coverage for Former Foster Youth

Under the ACA, youth who were enrolled in Medicaid and aged out of foster care on or after their 18^th birthday are eligible for free Medicaid health insurance until age 26, regardless of their income.  In Rhode Island, at least 900 youth ages 21 to 25 are newly eligible for this free coverage in 2014.

Previously, young adults who age out of foster care at 18 have been eligible for RIte Care (Medicaid) until they are 21. Now, RIte Care (Medicaid) coverage is extended until the youth turns age 26. Young adults who previously had coverage but lost it when they turned 21 can reapply for coverage.  Coverage is free and there is no income limit.  To apply, the young adult should call a DCYF eligibility technician.  See the flyers below for more information and the phone numbers to reach the eligibility technicians.

• Flyer to Post and Share with Youth: Free Health Insurance for Former Foster Youth until Age 26 (Flyer also available en Español)
• Flyer for Those Working with Youth: Help Spread the Word (Flyer en Español)