Extending Continuous Health Coverage for Children and Former Foster Youth
This Act aims to stabilize health coverage for children and young adults under Medicaid and CHIP by significantly extending continuous eligibility periods. This change reduces the frequency with which families must re-verify income, preventing gaps in medical care for vulnerable populations. The new rules apply to newborns, older children, and youth transitioning out of foster care.
Key points
Newborns enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP will receive continuous health coverage guaranteed until they reach age 6 (up from the current 1 year).
Continuous eligibility for children aged 6 through 18 under Medicaid is extended from 12 months to a 24-month (2-year) period.
Former foster youth will maintain Medicaid coverage until age 26, providing crucial health stability during their transition to adulthood.
Introduced
Additional Information
Print number: 119_S_2496
Sponsor: Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO]
Process start date: 2025-07-29