House Bill 317 Summary

• Amends Section 43-13-115 of the Mississippi Code to expand Medicaid eligibility for children in foster care under state and county Department of Human Services custody and financial responsibility.

• Extends Medicaid coverage for foster children from their current eligibility (previously limited to those age 18 and older) to include all children under age 18 who meet foster care requirements.

• Maintains existing Medicaid coverage for foster youth age 18 and older until their twenty-first birthday, as previously established.

• Requires the Division of Medicaid to certify eligible foster children as reported by the Mississippi Department of Human Services.

• Takes effect July 1, 2015.