Learn How the Affordable Care Act Can Help Former Foster Youth in Pennsylvania Now!

Juvenile Law Center,

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) includes a provision that provides health insurance to some former foster youth until age 26.  This provision became effective on January 1, 2014

The following documents have been released by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare to provide guidance to stakeholders, including youth, on the implementation of this provision. 

Please take time to read these documents so you can assist former foster youth in obtaining health insurance.  

In the coming days, Juvenile Law Center will be posting additional tools and fact sheets on this important ACA provision.

1.     Affordable Care Act: Letter to County Child Welfare Agencies, Juvenile Probation, and Stakeholders

  • A letter to stakeholders from the Acting Deputy Secretary of the Office of Children, Youth and Families on how the ACA provision will be implemented in Pennsylvania.

2.     PA Department of Public Welfare Operations Memorandum 13-12-03 (December 16, 2013)

  • A memorandum issued to the County Assistance Offices (CAOs), which process applications for Medical Assistance. 

3.     Affordable Care Act FAQs for Former Foster Youth

  • A Q&A on basic aspects of the Affordable Care Act and the Former Foster Care Provision.

4.     Affordable Care Act: Instructions for Former Foster Youth

  • A document explaining the process for applying for Medical Assistance for youth who have already been discharged from the child welfare system, but are under age 26. It includes an explanation of the process for youth who aged out of foster care in other states.

5.     Affordable Care Act Youth Flier

  • A flier for current and former foster youth about how the Affordable Care Act provision affects former foster youth in Pennsylvania.

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