HEALTH COVERAGE
Medical Assistance (Medicaid) for Former Foster Youth — Coverage to Age 26
Former foster youth in Pennsylvania can get free Medical Assistance health coverage up to age 26, regardless of income.
Do you qualify?
Are you under 26 years old?
Do you live in Pennsylvania now?
Were you in foster care on your 18th birthday or later?
Check your ZIP code
Enter your ZIP code to confirm this is the right program for where you live.
Before you apply
- Have your date of birth and a Pennsylvania address ready.
- Bring anything showing you were in foster care at 18 or older — a court letter, a case number, or a caseworker’s contact. Missing paperwork should not stop you from applying.
- Apply online through PA COMPASS, Pennsylvania's official benefits application. Former foster youth can use the short Application for Medicaid for Former Foster Care Youth (PA 1933) or apply through COMPASS.
- Watch your mail and phone for follow-up questions.
This checklist is for guidance only. Help Foster Youth is a directory — we do not decide eligibility or process applications. Your state agency is always the final word.