Health Insurance

If you’re nearing the time of leaving foster care, you’ll want to make sure you still have health coverage.  

Most young adults who age out of foster care and those still in care are covered by Coordinated Care’s Apple Health Core Connections (AHCC) program. This is special Medicaid coverage for foster children, alumni including EFC, and adoption support.  

You can continue to have AHCC coverage through the month of your 26th birthday for free. There are no requirements other than leaving foster care on your 18th birthday. This includes entering Extended Foster Care (EFC) at 18.  

This will save you money! The services you get will be free to you. Which means, you can get all the health care, mental health, and dental care you need. Plus, through AHCC, there is a team of friendly people ready to help you navigate the health care system and provide ongoing support.  

Already have health insurance through your job? You can save money on your health care costs by having Apple Health pay your co-pays and deductible. This means you won’t have to pay for your health care services.

To make sure you are signed up, reach out to the Foster Care Adoption and Support FCAS team at FCAS@HCA.WA.GOV or call 1-800-562-3022.

Remember: To get your important health insurance info, keep your address up to date by letting the FCAS team know if anything changes.  

You can also call AHCC at 1-844-354-9876 and they can help you update your address.  

Health Insurance Options:

  • Medicaid to 26 – Medicaid to 26 is a health insurance program for foster youth in Washington who are leaving foster care and want to continue receiving medical benefits until age 26. This is the first program you should check to confirm your eligibility. 
  • Student Health Plans – Many colleges offer basic health insurance to students. Contact your school’s health service or registrar’s office and ask for details. 
  • Sign up for health insurance through your job if they offer it.
  • If you don’t qualify for Medicaid to 26 you can still apply for low or no-cost health insurance through Wahealthplanfinder.org

Health insurance can be expensive, but not having it is risky and could end up costing you more. If none of these options work for you, you may have to research and buy coverage for yourself or pay for doctor’s visits from your own pocket.  

Thankfully, many community health programs offer medical services where the fee for services is based on your income, and you pay what you can.