Foster Care
Find information about Foster Care programs under Apple Health (Medicaid).
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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 21 are placed in licensed foster care or a relative's home by the Children's Administration (CA) or a federally recognized tribe. A licensed foster care parent receives a monthly payment from CA. A relative placement may choose to apply for non-needy Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash assistance. These children are eligible for Apple Health (Medicaid) coverage. Apple Health children in foster care (out of home placement) are auto-enrolled to Coordinated Care of Washington.
Foster Care Alumni
Individuals who were in foster care placement and received Apple Health on their 18th birthday remain eligible for health care coverage until their 26th birthday. This eligibility remains regardless of changes in income, household composition, or marital status, as long as they remain a Washington resident.
Adoption Support
Children who have been adopted are eligible for Apple Health coverage as long as they are receiving an adoption support payment. Children in adoption support may be eligible up to age 21.
Apple Health Core Connections (AHCC)
Apple Health Core Connections (AHCC) provides physical and behavioral health (mental health and substance use disorder treatment) services through one health plan.
This includes coverage for children and youth:
- Under the age of 21 who are in foster care (out of home placement)
- Under the age of 21 who are receiving adoption support
- Age 18 to 26 years old who aged out of foster care on or after their 18th birthday (alumni)
More about AHCC
Care coordination for all Washington State foster care and adoption support enrollees is provided through a single, statewide managed care plan called Apple Health Core Connections administered by Coordinated Care of Washington (CCW). AHCC can be reached at 1-844-354-9876.
Additional programs
- Juvenile Rehabilitation
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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
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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 free Apple Health for Kids 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.
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.