Children in foster care have complex health needs, requiring coordinated support from both child welfare and Medicaid agencies. The Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) of 2018 enhances collaboration by allowing federal funding to shift from costly out-of-home care to prevention-focused services, many of which can be covered by Medicaid. To support this cross-system coordination, the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS), with Casey Family Programs, developed technical assistance briefs to help child welfare agencies navigate Medicaid and improve service delivery for children and families.
- How can Medicaid-funded services support children, youth, and families involved with child protection? This brief describes how states can leverage Medicaid to provide a broad array of services, including evidence-based practices, for children, youth, and families involved with child welfare systems.
- How can jurisdictions ensure consistent health care access for children and youth in foster care? This brief highlights how states can ensure better continuity of care for children in foster care by implementing continuous eligibility for Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program coverage.
- What are promising practices for using Medicaid to address the needs of children and youth in foster care? This brief outlines how state Medicaid agencies can use state plan amendments and waivers to address the health needs of child welfare involved children and youth.
- How can Medicaid support the treatment costs for youth in residential programs? This brief details how Medicaid funds support residential treatment programs and outlines considerations to help jurisdictions plan for Family First Prevention Services Act implementation in their state.
