What is Medicaid and why should I apply?
Medicaid is essentially free health insurance for people who cannot afford to buy private health insurance. Medicaid is available only to certain individuals and families by federal and state law. Under Florida law, you are entitled to receive Medicaid as a former foster child until age 21. You may be eligible to have Medicaid after the age of 21 if you are part of the Road to Independence program, have a disability, are pregnant or meet other criteria. Medicaid does not pay money to you; instead, it sends payments directly to your doctor and other health care providers. You may also be asked to pay a small part of the cost (co-payment) for some medical services. You must apply for Medicaid so that if you need medical attention, Medicaid will pay the cost of the doctor or hospital visit. Take charge of your health care! Be sure your IL worker submitted all of your paper work before you leave foster care at age 18 so there will be no gap in your health care.
