Can states cover individuals who left foster care before age 18, or who were not

States cannot cover individuals who left foster care before aging out under the former foster care children group. Section 1902(a)(10)(i)(IX) of the Act only provides Medicaid eligibility for individuals who were in foster care when they turned 18 or such higher age when the state's foster care assistance ends. Individuals who left foster care before age 18, or who were not in foster care and Medicaid either upon turning 18 or upon "aging out" of foster care at the higher age elected by the state, are not eligible for coverage under this group. However, these individuals may be eligible under a different eligibility group.

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