SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5470

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Human Services & Corrections, February 16, 2001

Title:  An act relating to providing services for persons through twenty years of age, who are or who have been in foster care.

Brief Description:  Providing services for persons twenty years of age who are or who have been in foster care.

Sponsors:  Senators Long, Costa and Kohl‑Welles; by request of Department of Social and Health Services.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Human Services & Corrections:  2/8/01, 2/16/01 [DP‑WM].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

Signed by Senators Hargrove, Chair; Costa, Vice Chair; Carlson, Franklin, Hewitt, Kastama, Kohl‑Welles, Long and Stevens.

Staff:  Edith Rice (786‑7444)

Background:  The federal Foster Care Independence Act of 1999 allows states to extend Medicaid coverage to young people between the ages of 18 and 21 who were in foster care on their 18th birthday.  The same act allows states to provide independent living services  to young people up to age 21 who turn 18 while in foster care.

Summary of Bill:  Individuals under 21 who are in or have been in foster care at age 18 are now eligible to receive medical assistance benefits.  In addition, the Department of Social and Health Services is now authorized to provide independent living services to these same individuals.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 5, 2001.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  Youths age 18‑20 who have been in foster care can benefit from having access to medical care and independent living services.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  PRO:  Marianne Conner, Children=s Administration; Tom Bedell, Medical Assistance DSHS; Paul Barry, Children's Alliance; Teresa Miramontes, former foster child.