Fact Sheet: Health Insurance for Former Foster Youth Act

Currently, over 20,000 youth age out of the foster care system each year with little to no support as they transition into adulthood. High-quality coordinated care is fundamentally important for children and youth who have been involved in the child welfare system because they tend to have high rates of acute and chronic medical, mental health and developmental needs. According to the Congressional Research Service, 35-60 percent entering foster care have at least one chronic or acute health condition, such as asthma, cognitive abnormalities, visual and auditory problems, dental decay, and malnutrition, and 50-75 percent show behavioral or social competency problems that may require mental health services. Foster youth are also more likely than their peers to be prescribed multiple psychotropic medications.

The Health Insurance for Former Foster Youth Act (S.1797), introduced by Senator Casey (D-PA) and Senator Blumenthal (D-CT) reduces barriers for youth to who have aged out of foster care to get access to health coverage.