GIS 17 MA/015: Out-of-State Former Foster Care

The purpose of this General Information System (GIS) message is to inform local departments of social services of the discontinuance of the former foster care (FFC) Medicaid benefit (i.e., no income test until age 26) for individuals who were in foster care under the responsibility of another state.

Previously, districts were advised in 13 OHIP/ADM-03, "Medicaid Eligibility Changes under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010," that applicants under age 26 on NY State of Health who answered "yes" to being in foster care in another state at age 18, would be instructed on the eligibility decision notice to contact NY State of Health Customer Service Center as he or she may be entitled to special benefits (no income test until age 26).

As of July 2017, New York State no longer offers the out-of-state FFC Medicaid benefit. Districts should advise new applicants who were in foster care in another state to apply through NY State of Health for an eligibility determination.

The language instructing former foster care youth who were in foster care under the responsibility of another state to call customer service has been removed from the NY State of Health eligibility decision notice. Language on the on-line application is in the process of being removed. Customer Service has been instructed to advise callers that this benefit is no longer offered in NY State.

The Department of Health did not identify any active out-of-state former foster care youth cases when a search of records was completed. As such, no action is required to be taken by local districts.

Please note this change will not affect Medicaid coverage for former foster care youth who were discharged from NY State foster care. When a foster care youth is placed out-of-state, while remaining in NY State's foster care program, they will qualify for the FFC benefit if they return to NY State provided they aged-out.

Please direct any questions to your local district liaison.