News

Legislative Update: Securing Access to Health Care for Former Foster Youth

The Affordable Care Act guaranteed children the ability to stay on their parents’ health insurance until age 26, and allowed foster youth who age out of care at 18 to stay on Medicaid until their 26 birthday, regardless of income. This provision promotes equity by helping foster care alumni stay connected to health services.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work that way. We’ve heard from countless former foster youth who say that staying connected is more difficult than it needs to be in Arizona.

Take Oshianna (pictured above), a member of Fostering Advocates of Arizona (FAAZ). Oshi turned 18 just as she was getting ready to start college. She had not received her dorm assignment yet and was not sure where she would be living.  The DCS Caseworker enrolled her in AHCCCS and put the DCS office address on the application. Oshi never received a letter from AHCCCS asking her for information, and was unaware she lost coverage until she became ill and needed to be hospitalized. More than 90 days had passed since her coverage had lapsed and her appeal was denied. Oshi is still paying off more than $4000 in medical bills from her hospital stay.

Stories like Oshi’s are the reason we drafted HB2632. Sponsored by Representative Walter Blackman, the bill would prevent former foster youth from having to deal with red tape to keep their health coverage.

We are pleased to say that not only has the bill passed unanimously through the Arizona House of Representatives, AHCCCS has also agreed to make the requested changes administratively. We know this will make a world of difference for former foster youth across Arizona.

To learn more about policy priorities identified by FAAZ this session, click here.

And to thank Representative Blackman for sponsoring this legislation, email here.

More News

Events

Thank you for 35 years and counting....

Our annual gathering, Through the Eyes of a Child celebration, was a big success. More than 120 supporters gathered to celebrate CAA’s 35 years of improving the well-being of children, and the people who have worked to make it possible.  We appreciate all our sponsors, and champions for children,…

News

Children’s Action Alliance Selects January Contreras as New CEO

Children’s Action Alliance has named January Contreras to lead the organization as its new Chief Executive Officer. Contreras, a national and Arizona leader who has dedicated her career to strengthening the well-being and safety of children and families, will step into the role on December 11. “The…

News

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Nov. 1 - Through the Eyes of a Child

We can’t wait to gather as a community of champions for children at next week’s 35 YEARS: Through the Eyes of the Child. We want to share a special announcement with you as we prepare for this annual gathering. Children’s Action Alliance is pleased to announce January Contreras as our new President…

Events

Leadership Academies applications now open!

CAA and Arizona Early Childhood Alliance (AZECA) Leadership Academies are now accepting applications!  Both leadership academies are designed to bring community leaders together to amplify their voices in a unique way to influence policymakers on children and health issues.   CAA’s Lived Experience…