Scroll Top

McKnight, Conaway, & Zwicker Measure Providing Medicaid Benefits to Individuals Formerly in Foster Care Approved by Assembly

(TRENTON) – To ensure those who were formerly in foster care are provided Medicaid benefits, Assembly Democrats Angela McKnight (D-Hudson), Herb Conaway (D-Burlington), and Andrew Zwicker (D-Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset) sponsor legislation approved by the Assembly last week, 73-0, to extend New Jersey FamilyCare coverage.

The bill (A-4963) would extend Medicaid coverage to those who are currently living in New Jersey, but were previously in foster care facilities in another State.  Coverage would be given to those eligible individuals up to the age of 26.  The Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Human Services would apply to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that would allow the State to extend its FamilyCare coverage.

Upon Assembly approval of the legislation, McKnight, Conaway, and Zwicker issued the following joint statement:

“Many young people who are no longer in foster care can have significant health needs that are costly.  This bill will allow those with specific needs to get to the medical coverage and support that is necessary.

“Substance abuse is an issue for many who age out of foster care.  Without a Medicaid pathway, many are unable to receive the proper counseling and treatment.  An approved Medicaid State plan would provide these individuals with the critical services they need.”