Medicaid For Former Foster Youth and STAR and STAR Health Services

As of January 1, 2014, the Former Foster Care Children program provides healthcare coverage through age 25 to young adults who age out of Texas foster care and who were receiving Medicaid when they aged out of care. This also includes young adults who aged out of foster care in another state on or after January 1, 2023 and who were receiving Medicaid when they aged out of foster care. This population receives services in two separate programs based on age:

  • Young adults aged 18 through 20 will be enrolled in STAR Health but can switch to STAR; and
  • Young adults aged 21 through 25 will receive Medicaid through the STAR plan of their choice through the end of the month of their 26th birthday. 

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

Former Foster Care Children Program Eligibility

To be eligible for this program, the young adult must:

  • Live in Texas;
  • Have aged out of foster care in the state of Texas at age 18 or older, or have aged out of foster care at age 18 or older in any state on or after January 1, 2023;
  • Be age 18 through 25 ;
  • Have been a federally funded Medicaid recipient when they aged out of foster care; and
  • meet all other Medicaid eligibility criteria such as U.S. Citizenship or Alien status

There are no income, asset, or educational requirements to qualify for the Former Foster Care Children program.

Medicaid for Transitioning Foster Care Youth

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.  This is because they were not receiving Medicaid at the time they aged out of care.  These young adults  will receive STAR Health. To be eligible for the Medicaid for Transitioning Foster Care Youth program, the young adult 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; and
  • Be a US citizen or have a qualified alien status, such as a green card.

Medicaid Renewal

On October 1, 2014 HHSC stopped mailing paper renewal packets for healthcare benefits.  Instead, HHSC now attempts to renew a young adult's benefits based on information already provided.   A renewal letter will be mailed 3 to 4 months before benefits end in an envelope marked "Time Sensitive" with 10 days to respond.  If more than 30 days pass without a response, benefits may end or there may be a gap in healthcare coverage.  The letter highlights the fastest way to complete Medicaid renewals.  Benefits are renewed every 12 months.

The fastest way to complete Medicaid renewals is online at YourTexasBenefits.com.  Other options include:

Address Changes

Very Important! Young adults must report any address change within 10 days of knowing about the change.  To report changes, use the www.YourTexasBenefits.com  website or call 2-1-1.

Staff Responsibilities

CPS staff assist and inform youth and young adults about their Medicaid coverage which is managed by HHSC  for ongoing eligibility for both programs.

Questions about STAR Health and STAR Member Health plans

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.

Other Resources:

To Apply or Re-Apply for Medicaid for Transitioning Foster Care Youth and Former Foster Care Children Programs

Young adults may apply or re-apply for either Medicaid for Transitioning Foster Care Youth or Former Foster Care Children Programs by:

  • Faxing or mailing (information on application):
    • Form H1010-Texas Works Application for Assistance, or
    • Form H1205-Texas Streamlined Application;
  • www.YourTexasBenefits.com;
  • www.HealthCare.gov (Marketplace); or
  • Calling 2-1-1.

Note:  Form H1010 and Form H1205 can be printed from the www.YourTexasBenefits.com  website. 

On either the H1010 or the H1205, to be considered for Former Foster Care Children or Medicaid for Transitioning Foster Care Youth programs, the individual must mark either of the following questions as “Yes:”

  • Were you in foster care at age 18 or older?
  • Were you in an approved Unaccompanied Refugee Minor’s Resettlement program at age 18 or older?

If the applicant is not eligible for either program he or she will be evaluated for other Medicaid programs.

For more information related to DFPS Medical Services please visit the CPS Medical Services Website for a list of Well-Being Specialists.

Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children (ICPC)

HHSC provides health care coverage for individuals living in Texas who aged out of foster care under an ICPC agreement.  This includes both individuals placed by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) in foster care in other states and individuals placed in foster care in Texas from other states.