Foster Care

Foster Care and Adoption Support programs

Apple Health (Medicaid) is available for Foster Care and Adoption Support (FCAS) programs listed below.

Foster Care

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.

Options for American Indian and Alaska Native individuals

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. 

Foster Care Alumni

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.

Adoption Support

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 Core Connections (AHCC)

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:

• Age 20 and younger in foster care (out of home placement)
• Age 20 and younger in adoption support
• Age 18-21 years old in extended foster care (EFC)
• Age 18-26 years old who aged out of foster care on or after their 18th birthday (alumni)
• Reunified with their parents and custodial guardian and is eligible for free Apple Health for Kids without premiums (eligible for 12 months after foster care ends)

Additional programs

Juvenile Rehabilitation

Children residing in a Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration (JRA) group home are eligible for Apple Health coverage through the month in which they are paroled.

Unaccompanied Refugee Minor program

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.

Continuous eligibility for kids under age 6

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.

Options for children receiving adoption support and former foster care youth

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.