Youth who turned 18 while in foster care are eligible to receive Medicaid until age 26 under the Affordable Care Act.

• If the student is under age 18, Medicaid coverage will automatically continue until they turn 26. Case workers are required to talk about this with youth as a part of transition planning.
• For youth between the ages of 18-21 enrolled in Young Adult Voluntary Foster Care (YAVFC), medicaid will automatically continue.
• For youth  between 18-21 NOT enrolled in YAVFC, a new application must be submitted.
• Youth between the ages of 21-25 need to submit a new application.
• An application may be submitted at any time during the year.

To apply, visit the Michigan Bridges website. There, youth will be asked to complete an application online. It should take about 25 minutes, and youth might find it helpful to sit with a supportive person to help with any questions while they complete the application.

A few days later, the youth will receive a letter in the mail confirming coverage and giving instructions on receiving a health coverage card.

If you have any questions, or youth receive any messages that say they have been denied coverage, There is help available! Please contact:

Leslie Adams, Foster Care Health Analyst

Child Welfare Medical Unit
Office of Child Welfare Policy and Programs
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services,
235 S. Grand Avenue, Suite 514,
P.O. Box 30037, Lansing, MI 48909
Phone: 517-335-0988
Fax: 517-335-7789
AdamsL4@michigan.gov

Click here to read FSM's Guide: Getting to Know...The Affordable Care Act for Students from Foster Care

Links

• MI Bridges Health Care Application