Medicaid to 26

I just got an email about a new change that Washington has made for the new year. Starting January 1, all youth who have been in care are able to re-enroll into Medicaid for medical coverage until the age of 26. Here are the details

Medicaid To 26

Beginning January 1, 2014, former foster youth may be eligible for continued Medicaid benefits until their 26^th birthday!!!

Am I eligible?   (You must be able to answer “YES” to both of the statements below)

1.      I am currently in foster care or other eligible out-of-home placement and under age 21.

2.      On July 22, 2007, I was in foster care or other eligible out-of-home placement under the responsibility of DSHS or a federally recognized tribe within Washington State.

“Other eligible out-of-home placements” include:

ü  Licensed foster and relative care

ü  Tribal foster care

ü  ICPC foster care in Washington State

ü  Dependency Guardianships established prior to June 2010

ü   Other foster care (unlicensed, court      ordered placements)

Note: Youth in the Adoption Support program are not eligible for Medicaid under this benefit.

What else do I need to know?

§  If you turned 21 years of age before January 1, 2014, you could be eligible for Medicaid until your 26^th birthday. Contact the Foster Care Medical Team (FCMT) to see if you are eligible. DO NOT apply for medical coverage (Medicaid) through the www.healthplanfinder.gov website.

§  On your 21^st birthday, the FCMT will automatically enroll you into a Medicaid managed care plan. You may contact the FCMT if you want to change to a different plan.    

§  Ensure the Foster Care Medical Team always has your correct mailing address!!

§  This benefit is for Medicaid eligibility only.  You must apply for TANF and food assistance at your local Community Services Office.

§  KEEP your ProviderOne Services Card – you do not need a new card or ProviderOne number to be eligible for this program.

§  If your Medicaid eligibility is interrupted because you are in jail or detention, or if you are enrolled in Pregnancy Medical, contact the FCMT to see if you are still eligible for the Medicaid to 26 program.

What if I have questions or I lose my ProviderOne Services Card?

Call the Foster Care Medical Team (FCMT) using the following directions:

The phone system is very sensitive so make sure there isn’t a lot of noise around you.

1.      Dial: 1-800-562-3022  - Extension 15480 (do not dial the extension until prompted)

2.      Stay on the line.

3.      Say, “Dial” when the system asks you if you have an extension.

4.      When the system asks if you are a “client, provider, or other.”  DO NOT respond to this question; just press “3” on your phone.

5.      The system will say it is transferring you and then ask you to dial the extension number.

6.      Dial the FCMT extension number - 15480.

The FCMT uses interpreter services when needed. These instructions also apply to non-English speaking youth.