Improving Access to Health Coverage for Transitional Youth
Jul, 2008
Type:
ReportYouth in the juvenile justice and foster care systems often share many traits: a history of abuse or neglect, mental health and substance abuse needs, low incomes, and likely eligibility for public insurance programs. For both populations, custody transitions provide an opportunity to screen youth for Medicaid and State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) eligibility. This paper de- scribes ways for states to expand Medicaid and SCHIP eligibility to youth in the juvenile justice and foster care systems; key transition points for these youth; and opportunities to better enroll and keep them in programs that encourage healthy growth and development.
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