Former Foster Kids Gain Health Insurance Under ACA

MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) — Nearly 10,000 teens and young adults in Florida who aged out of foster care are eligible for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act.

The new law extends Medicaid coverage for former foster youth who have aged out of the system and are under the age of 26.

The provision is aimed at giving former foster youth the same opportunity for health insurance as their peers who are able to stay on their parent's insurance until they turn 26.

According to the Department of Children and Families, nearly 6,000 former foster youth applied for Medicaid as of early April.

While they are eligible for coverage, they are not automatically enrolled.

Caseworkers say they regularly remind youth about the opportunity before their 18th birthday and also send notices in the mail.

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