S.B. 2589 - Medical Assistance for Former Foster Youth

• Requires the Department of Human Services to offer and provide medical assistance to former foster youth until they reach age twenty-six.

• Establishes eligibility based on age thresholds: under 24 years on July 1, 2012; under 25 years on January 1, 2013; and under 26 years on January 1, 2014.

• Limits eligibility to youth who were in state foster care until at least age eighteen, were enrolled in Medicaid while in foster care, and have household income up to 300 percent of the federal poverty level for Hawaii.

• Requires the Department to provide written instructions for accessing medical care and seek federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approval before implementation.

• Takes effect on July 1, 2050.