AUGUSTA - Rep. Colleen Madigan, D-Waterville, introduced legislation Friday that would make it easier for young adults who were formerly in the foster care system to remain enrolled in MaineCare.
LD 463 would require the Department of Health and Human Services to provide MaineCare coverage to individuals who were formally in foster care until the individual turns 27. This would mirror similar provisions in existing law that allow parents to keep children on their health care policy until age 27. The department would need to amend its rules by November 2024.
"Every Mainer deserves access to quality health care, and those who were in our foster care system are no exception," said Madigan. "Allowing them to remain covered by MaineCare until they turn 27 will improve parity by ensuring that they will have the same access to health insurance as other young adults who are on their parents' policies."
The Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee will hold a work session on the bill in the coming weeks.
Madigan is serving her fourth term in the Maine House and represents House District 64, which includes parts of Waterville and Winslow. She serves on the Legislature's Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Madigan], c. 305-965-2744