Individuals enrolled in Apple Health (Medicaid), Public Employees Benefits Board, and School Employees Benefits Board coverage - and those accessing behavioral health services - will not experience a disruption in care due to the federal government shutdown. In addition, health care providers will continue to be paid for the services they provide. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and share updates if anything changes.
Find information about Foster Care programs under Apple Health (Medicaid).
Apple Health (Medicaid) is available for Foster Care and Adoption Support (FCAS) programs listed below.
Children up to age 20 and younger are placed in licensed foster care or a relative's home by the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) or a federally recognized tribe. Youth and young adults 18 and older may self-enroll in extended foster care through age 21.
Children and youth in foster care are eligible for Apple Health (Medicaid) while they are under dependency. These children and youth are auto-enrolled into a single, statewide managed care plan called Apple Health Core Connections administered by Coordinated Care (CC). This ensures continuity of care white they are under dependency.
Families of Apple Health eligible foster care children may opt to remain on Apple Health Core Connections for up to one year after their dependency with DCYF has ended.
There are some exceptions to children and youth in foster care being auto-enrolled into a managed care plan, including American Indian and Alaska Native enrollees and youth that have other creditable coverage. American Indian and Alaska Natives in Washington have a choice between Apple Health managed care or Apple Health coverage without a managed care plan (also called fee-for-service). This is to comply with federal rules, in recognition of the Indian health care delivery system, and to help ensure that you have access to culturally appropriate health care. Learn more about options for American Indian and Alaska Native individuals.
Individuals who were in foster care placement and received Medicaid on their 18th birthday in any state remain eligible for health care coverage until the end of the month in which they turn 26 years old. This eligibility remains regardless of changes in income, household composition, or marital status, as long as they remain a Washington resident.
Adopted children and their families who receive adoption support payments are eligible for Apple Health coverage. The adopted children may be eligible up to age 21.
Apple Health Foster care eligibility and enrollment questions
For questions about eligibility or enrollment in an Apple Health Foster care program, please contact the foster care adoption support team (FCAS) at 1-800-562-3022, ext. 15480, or email Foster Care Adoption Support.
AHCC provides physical and behavioral health services such as preventive, primary, specialty care, telemedicine and other health services through one health plan.
AHCC covers children and youth who are:
More about AHCC
For questions on care coordination, contact AHCC at 1-844-354-9876. For questions about eligibility and enrollment into AHCC, contact the foster care adoption support team (FCAS) at 1-800-562-3022, ext. 15480.
Children residing in a Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration (JRA) group home are eligible for Apple Health coverage through the month in which they are paroled.
Children who need foster care placement are approved for resettlement in this country under the Unaccompanied Refugee Minor (URM) program. Children are placed in culturally sensitive foster homes and are eligible for Apple Health coverage. They remain eligible for Apple Health coverage up to age 21. URM youth are eligible for health care coverage until their 26th birthday if they meet qualified alien status at age 21. Individuals covered under the URM program are enrolled into Apple Health managed care.
Children eligible for Apple Health for Kids with or without premiums will stay covered through the month they turn six years of age regardless of changes in household income. View the Children’s eligibility webpage to learn more.
Adoption support and alumni can opt out of managed care for their physical health coverage with a phone call to the Foster Care and Adoption Support (FCAS) team at 1-800-562-3022 ext. 15480.
If you decide to receive your physical health coverage through the Apple Health coverage without a managed care plan, you will have the option to select a managed care plan for your behavioral health services.
A list of the available Behavioral Health Services Only plans can be found in the Apple Health managed care plans available section.
WIC Nutrition Program
The WIC Nutrition Program provides access to no-cost healthy food, health screenings, nutrition education, breast and chest feeding support and more, to people who are pregnant or recently pregnant, infants, and children under age five through an easy-to-use WIC card. See if you're eligible for WIC and learn how to apply. You can also find a WIC clinic online or call 1-800-322-2588.
Email: Foster Care and Adoption Support (FCAS)
Phone: 1-800-562-3022 (ext. 15480)
Fax: 360-725-1158