According to Urban Institute, annually, more than 800,000 children spend time in foster care due to neglect and abuse. Most states disburse millions of dollars to meet the needs of these children. One such need is health care.
Significance
Foster care children usually demonstrate an increased need for physical and emotional health care treatment. According to Psych Central, up to 60 percent of foster children suffer from emotional and behavioral problems. Because foster care children are at a higher risk for health problems, insurance is critical.
The Process
It is up to the child welfare agencies in each state to ensure that the physical and mental health needs of foster care children are met. Child welfare agencies are responsible for making sure that foster children receive the appropriate health care services to benefit their overall well-being. Typically, foster care children are appointed a social worker to manage their cases. A social worker can be of assistance in ensuring that the children receive adequate health care benefits.
Medi-Cal
According to Health Consumer, most foster care children are eligible to receive health care coverage under a plan called Medi-Cal. Medi-Cal is a comprehensive insurance plan that offers many benefits: Children are covered for doctor's visits, diagnostic tests, drugs, surgeries, and hospitalization. Some foster care children are removed from their parents' custody because of abuse, neglect or abandonment. When this is the case, the court system will ensure that the child is insured through Medi-Cal. The court will apply for health care for the child or help the child apply.
Medi-Cal health insurance is also applied to children who later return home to their birth parents. Regardless of the parent's financial status or circumstances, the child will continue to receive free Medi-Cal insurance without interruption. However, there are age limits: Former foster care children can only receive the free insurance until the age of 21.
EPSDT
Another program called Early Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) covers other health care aspects a child may need such as dental, vision, and mental health services.
Medicaid
According to Urban Institute, foster children are also eligible for Medicaid services. Medicaid is a federal program that provides health care to children, pregnant women and those living under the federal poverty level. The program is run by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Tags: care children, health care, foster care, foster care children, According Urban
