Chafee Medicaid is an extension of Medicaid for youth who leave the foster care system on their 18th birthday. Recipients receiving Chafee Medicaid are eligible to receive the full range of Medicaid-covered services from 18 through 21 years of age. Applicants may not be determined ineligible based on a diagnosis or pre-existing condition. To apply please visit the local DFCS Medicaid office.


ELIGIBILITY

  • Must have been in foster care the month of 18th birthday & be under the age of 21
  • Georgia Resident
  • U.S. Citizen/Legal Alien Identity
  • Social Security number (or have applied for SSN)
  • Third Party Resource liability
  • Application for other benefits
  • Eligibility is assessed annually


WHEN ELIGIBILITY STOPS

  • Death
  • Move out-of-state
  • Case closure is requested by recipient
  • Another MA program is more beneficial
  • Incarceration
  • 21st birthday
  • Failure to complete an annual eligibility determination


TO APPLY

  • Youth who turn 18 within foster care are eligible to apply at the local DFCS Medicaid office.
  • Youth who are already 18-21 years old, but were in foster care when they were 18 can apply at DFCS.
  • Current foster children who are approaching their 18th birthday will have a Continuing Medicaid Determination (CMD) completed for Chafee Medicaid prior to aging out of foster care.
  • Contact ILP Coordinator for more information.


ANOTHER INSURANCE OPTION

  • The Kaiser Permanente Bridge Program is an additional medical coverage option that is provided through MAAC.
  • This program is designed to help uninsured, income-eligible youth obtain health care coverage for a low monthly charge for up to 24 months.
  • Eligible individuals pay a fraction of the premium cost and Kaiser Permanente subsidizes the rest.
  • Coverage includes preventive services, hospitalization, comprehensive pharmacy and more.
  • This could be a good option once youth are no longer eligible for Chafee Medicaid.
   
© 2011 Georgia ILP