Brief Description: Extending medicaid coverage for foster care youth who reach age eighteen.

Sponsors: By House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Roberts, Kagi, Haler, P. Sullivan, Walsh, Pettigrew, Darneille, Santos, McCoy, Ormsby, Wood, Dickerson, Clibborn, Schual-Berke, Simpson, Lantz, Hasegawa, Kenney, Pedersen and Seaquist).

House Committee on Health Care & Wellness
House Committee on Appropriations
Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care
Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Background:

The Department of Social and Health Services (Department) provides services to youth in foster care generally through age 18, unless the youth is in school or in treatment. In addition to foster care placement services, the Department may provide medical coverage through Medicaid or the Medical Assistance Program.

Medical coverage is generally available through age 18 for all children covered by Medicaid. A few young adults between ages 18 and 21 who remain in foster care maintain eligibility for medical assistance.

Summary:

Eligibility for Medicaid or Medical Assistance is extended for youth who were in foster care on their 18th birthday, up to age 21, irrespective of continuing placement in foster care.

Votes on Final Passage:

House   95   1
Senate   47   0   (Senate amended)
House   93   1   (House concurred)

Effective: July 22, 2007