Cardoza Bill Would Expand Health Coverage for Children Who Age Out of Foster Care

Press Release

CARDOZA BILL WOULD EXPAND HEALTH COVERAGE FOR CHILDREN WHO AGE OUT OF FOSTER CARE

Congressman Dennis Cardoza (D-CA) has introduced legislation that would extend Medicaid coverage for foster children who have aged out of the system by mandating state health coverage through the age of 21. The "Medicaid Foster Care Coverage Act of 2007" would guarantee health coverage for emancipated foster children - many of whom face serious psychological problems - as they transition to adult life.

"Foster children face unique and difficult challenges," said Cardoza, who has two adopted foster children. "The incidence of psychological and developmental problems in foster kids is shockingly high. Too many of these vulnerable young people see their coverage abruptly cut off during a critical transition period in their lives. This bill is a wise investment - not only for foster kids, but for all of us."

Current law provides pathways that enable states to access federal funding to extend Medicaid coverage for youth who have aged out of foster care. Currently, only 17 states - including California - take advantage of this. Cardoza's bill would mandate that every state offer coverage under Medicaid for foster children through the age of 21. Medicaid, which is jointly funded by federal and state governments, provides health care to low-income children, seniors, and people with disabilities.

Foster Care Facts

* Foster care alumni ages 19 to 33 experience post traumatic stress disorder at a level that is five times higher than the general population.

* Upon aging out of foster care, nearly 50% of foster youth in California must cope with chronic health problems.

* More than 80% of children in foster care have developmental, emotional or behavioral problems.

* More than five times as many foster youth had been arrested than the general population of youth nationwide.

"It is a terrible mistake to allow these young people to fall through the cracks," said Cardoza. "Providing continued medical coverage for children who age out of foster care is a moral and societal imperative. Abruptly cutting off health coverage for young people who face such difficult obstacles creates a dangerous situation. This bill would give foster children the care they need as they begin their adult lives."

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