The bill amends Section 3 of P.L.1968, c.413 (C.30:4D-3) to expand Medicaid eligibility for individuals aged 18 to 25 who were previously in foster care. It introduces provisions that allow these individuals, who were in resource family care under the custody of a child welfare agency and funded by public sources, to qualify for Medicaid benefits without considering their income or resources. This change aims to provide essential medical care to young adults transitioning out of the foster care system, reflecting a commitment to their health and well-being.

Furthermore, the bill mandates the Commissioner of Human Services to apply for federal waivers to extend New Jersey FamilyCare coverage to individuals up to age 26 who were in foster care under another state's responsibility when they aged out of the system. This coverage will be available regardless of income or resources, aligning with federal law as per the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act. The bill also emphasizes the need for the Commissioner to adopt necessary rules and regulations for implementation, ensuring that former foster youth receive similar benefits to those under the Affordable Care Act, which allows young adults to remain on their parents' health insurance until age 26.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 30:4D-3