US SB2077

Extends Medicaid eligibility to former foster youth until age 26, regardless of which state they were in foster care, if they are not eligible for or enrolled in other Medicaid coverage categories or have income exceeding those thresholds

Expands coverage to include youth who left foster care for legal guardianship with a kinship caregiver or who were emancipated before age 18, not just those who aged out at 18

Takes effect January 1, 2026, applying to individuals who turn 18 on or after that date

Requires states to establish outreach and enrollment programs by January 1, 2026, coordinating with child welfare agencies to increase enrollment of eligible former foster youth following Secretary-established best practices