Health

As you become a young adult and make the transition from foster care to independent living, the government offers you several ways to help you keep your medical coverage and stay healthy.

The Former Foster Care Children program provides healthcare coverage to you when you turn age 18 and will be available through age 25. You receive services in two separate healthcare programs based on age:

• Young adults aged 18 through 20 are enrolled in STAR Health but can switch to STAR

• Young adults aged 21 through 25 receive Medicaid through the STAR plan of their choice through the month of their 26th birthday.

For help applying for healthcare or assistance with locating providers, please call 2-1-1. To be eligible for this program, you must:

• Be age 18 through 25

• Have been in Texas foster care on his or her 18th birthday or older

• Be receiving Medicaid when he or she aged out of Texas foster care

• Be a US citizen or have a qualified alien status, such as a green card

There are no income, asset, or educational requirements to qualify for this program.

Visit 2-1-1 Texas or click HERE for more info

Medicaid for Transitioning Foster Care Youth is available for former foster youth who are under the age of 21 and who are not eligible for the Former Foster Care Children program because you were not receiving Medicaid at the time you aged out of care. If you are eligible for this program you will receive STAR Health.

To be eligible for this program, you must:

• Be age 18 through 20

• Have been in Texas foster care on his or her 18th birthday or older

• Not have other health coverage

• Meet program rules for income

• Be a US citizen or have a qualified alien status, such as a green card

Detailed information about healthcare coverage for STAR Health and STAR member programs are available at:

• STAR Health: Superior HealthPlan (Superior) works with the State of Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) as the exclusive provider of healthcare for STAR Health members throughout the state. Click HERE for more information!

• STAR: STAR is managed care Medicaid. Click HERE for more information

It is very important that you report any address changes within 10 days of knowing about the change. You can report all changes or request help by contacting 2-1-1 or use YourTexasBenefits.com.

For questions about STAR Health or STAR Member Health plans follow one of these steps:

• Call one of the helpful numbers on the health plan or 1-800-964-2777

• Call 2-1-1;

• or use the www.YourTexasBenefits.com website

Well-being specialists are a STAR Health resource contact.

When you were placed in foster care, the court or DFPS chose somebody to consent to, or agree with, medical decisions recommended by your doctor. When you turn 16, or if you were already 16 when you came into care, you have the right to request to make some or all of your own medical decisions. For more information, read:

• Medical consent

Texas is a big state and there are several ways to find hospitals, health clinics, and community health centers wherever you live.

• Superior Healthplan - Find a provider

• Call 2-1-1 for more information or access their website HERE

A2A is a program that allows you to earn rewards to take care of yourself. Members can earn up to $125 a year for:

• Getting Texas Health Steps

• Dental checkups

• Annual well-woman

• Getting the flu shot

For more information about A2A, click HERE!

Your Texas Benefits helps you organize all of your eligible state benefit programs in one convenient location. They offer an app for your phone which you can download below!

• To download Your Texas Benefits to an apple product click HERE

• To download Your Texas Benefits to an google product click HERE

This new guide looks at ways to handle powerful feelings and behaviors and make healthy choices. Understanding how psychotropic medication can help and what other options are available can be challenging. This guide can help you:

• Knowing your rights about your health and who can help you make decisions.

• Considering your options, including helpful approaches other than medication.

• Making decisions about how best to stay healthy.

• Maintaining treatment (taking medication safely and continuing or stopping treatment after leaving foster care.)

Click HERE for the guide!

If you’re currently (or were formerly) in the foster care system and are expectant, pregnant, or parenting, you know that balancing school, work, and other obligations while having a baby is challenging. Use the information on this page to learn about government assistance, medical services, and parenting supports that may be available to support you and your family.

Click HERE for the resources!