Expanded Coverage for Former Foster Youth Act

Expanded Coverage for Former Foster Youth Act would amend the Medicaid program (Title XIX of the Social Security Act) to ensure health insurance coverage continuity for former foster youth up to age 26. The bill adds a new eligibility group for individuals under 26 who were in foster care under state responsibility at age 18 (or in related high-age foster care arrangements), or who left foster care to enter kinship guardianship or were emancipated before 18, and who are not enrolled under existing Medicaid eligibility subcategories. These individuals would be eligible for continued Medicaid coverage even if they would not meet standard child or parent/caregiver eligibility requirements, subject to income rules. The amendments take effect January 1, 2026, and apply to those who attain 18 on or after that date. In addition, the bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (through the Secretary) to establish an outreach and enrollment program by January 1, 2026 to increase enrollment of eligible former foster youth, coordinating with state agencies and other partners.