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Medicaid for Foster Youth in Florida: Understanding Eligibility and Enrollment

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Medicaid is a state and federal program providing medical coverage to young adults who were placed in out-of-home care, receive adoption assistance benefits, or guardianship assistance benefits. This article will guide you through the specifics of Medicaid for foster youth in Florida, including eligibility criteria, the application process, and important considerations.

Eligibility for Medicaid Until Age 21

Young adults who meet the following criteria are eligible for Medicaid up until 21 years of age. The Community-Based Care (CBC) agencies are responsible for applying on behalf of these young adults:

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  1. Turned 18 in Legal Custody

    • Young adults who turned 18 while in the legal custody of the Department of Children and Families.

  2. Enrolled in EMAS

    • Young adults enrolled in the Extension of Maintenance Adoption Subsidy (EMAS) Program.

  3. Enrolled in EGAP

    • Young adults enrolled in the Extension of Guardianship Assistance Program (EGAP).

  4. Adopted at Age 16 or 17

    • Young adults adopted at age 16 or 17 after being in licensed care (Level I-V) for at least six months.

  5. Placed with Court-Approved Dependency Guardian

    • Young adults placed with a court-approved dependency guardian at age 16 or 17 after spending at least six months in licensed care within the 12 months immediately preceding placement with the caregiver.

Medicaid Until Age 26

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), former foster youth under 26 years old are provided with free health insurance through the Medicaid state program. Eligibility criteria include:

  1. In Foster Care at Age 18

    • If you were in the foster care system and receiving Medicaid when you turned 18, you are automatically eligible for Medicaid until age 26.

  2. Apply for Former Foster Youth Medicaid

    • Apply for Former Foster Youth Medicaid in the month you turn 21. You can apply online through the ACCESS Florida website. If you need assistance, contact your former CBC or independent living (IL) specialist.

  3. Answering Application Questions

    • When applying, you will be asked, “Was anyone in Florida foster care at age 18 or older?" For this question, “foster care” means placement with a relative, non-relative, licensed foster home, or group home.

Important Considerations

  1. Address Changes

    • If you change your physical address between the ages of 18-21, you must notify your CBC or former IL specialist to update your address in the system. After age 21, notify Access Florida. Failure to update your address can delay obtaining Medicaid services.

  2. Relocators

    • Florida does not offer foster care medical coverage to former foster youth who relocate to the state. Only 13 states provide Medicaid coverage to foster youth who move out of the state they experienced foster care.

How to Sign Up

  1. Visit the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Website

    • Access the Medicaid Member Portal to build your account and fill out the application. Visit this link for direct access.

  2. Enrollment Before Aging Out

    • Ensure you are enrolled in Medicaid before aging out of foster care to qualify for Medicaid until age 26. Florida does not automatically enroll foster youth into the former foster youth Medicaid program. Therefore, it's crucial to sign up before aging out of care at 18+.

Key Points to Remember

  1. Medicaid for Former Foster Youth Is Not Based on Income

    • Eligibility is determined by your status as a former foster youth in Florida, not by your income level.

  2. Eligibility Criteria

    • Must have experienced foster care in the State of Florida.

    • Must currently live in Florida.

    • Must be enrolled in Medicaid before aging out of foster care.

  3. Documentation

    • Always indicate on your Medicaid application that you are a former foster youth, even if there is no direct question.

Need Assistance?

If you have any questions or concerns about Medicaid for foster youth, you can contact:

  • Cal Walton, III

    • Youth and Young Adults Transition Services Specialist

    • Email: cal.walton@myflfamilies.com

    • Phone: 850-491-0204

Additionally, for help with applications or other inquiries, you can visit the ACCESS Florida website and click “contact us” for telephone numbers and hours of operation. Your Independent Living (IL) specialist is also a valuable resource for assistance.

By understanding and navigating the Medicaid eligibility and application processes, foster youth in Florida can ensure they have the healthcare coverage they need as they transition into adulthood.