Will Foster Kids Lose Medicaid and SNAP? Breaking Down Trump’s New Bill

Medicaid: Who Qualifies and What Might Change

Historically, all children in foster care are automatically eligible for Medicaid. Former foster youth ages 18 to 26 have qualified for Medicaid regardless of income under the Former Foster Care Children (FFCC) group since 2014. In 2023, at least 112,000 individuals were enrolled through this FFCC group, which is less than 1% of all Medicaid enrollees.

Under the new bill, recipients in foster care may face these challenges:

• Work requirements: Able-bodied adults aged 19–64 may need to complete 80 hours of work, volunteering, or training each month.
• More frequent eligibility checks: States may require more paperwork to confirm continued Medicaid eligibility.
• Service restrictions: Some states could limit which services are covered.
• Administrative barriers: frequent paperwork, complex eligibility reporting, difficulty keeping updated addresses, limited access to technology to make reporting easier, and little guidance for aged-out youth navigating the system. 

While Medicaid eligibility itself for current and former foster children has not been directly repealed, these new requirements could make it harder for older youth aging out of foster care to maintain consistent coverage.

SNAP: New Requirements for Former Foster Youth 

In addition to Medicaid changes, the new “One Big Beautiful Bill” includes major shifts to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) that directly affect former foster youth.

Previously, young people aging out of foster care were exempt from strict work reporting requirements, recognizing the unique hardships they face while transitioning to adulthood. Under the new legislation, however, these exemptions have been removed. 

Similar requirements for Medicaid eligibility will apply to SNAP recipients:

• Work requirements added: Former foster youth as young as 18 must now work, volunteer, or attend school at least 80 hours per month to continue receiving SNAP beyond 3 months.
• Loss of exemptions: Protections that previously exempted former foster youth from work reporting requirements have been removed.
• Stricter reporting: Participants must submit monthly proof of work or training activities.
• Administrative challenges: New paperwork and reporting requirements may lead to benefit loss, especially for youth facing housing instability or limited support networks. 

Timing and Implementation

The new rules will start by December 2026, but each state can decide how and when to apply them. Because of this, the changes might look different depending on where someone lives.

Speaking on Capitol Hill

Foster Love’s Executive Director Gianna Dahlia recently spoke with lawmakers in Washington, D.C., about the urgent challenges facing foster youth, including Medicaid cuts and the risk of foster agency closures. She emphasized, “These aren’t just numbers on a page—they represent lifelines for the very children and families we serve.”

Gianna highlighted the importance of protecting Medicaid, calling it “absolutely critical” for children’s health and stability. Reflecting on her trip, she said, “Our goal has always been to build a future where every child in foster care feels safe, supported, and seen—and that future has to be shaped both in communities and in the halls of power.”

You can read the full interview here: Advocating for Foster Youth on Capitol Hill: A Conversation with Executive Director Gianna Dahlia

Unique Challenges for Foster Youth

The Congressional Budget Office estimates up to 2.9 million Americans, including former foster youth, could lose access to SNAP as a result of these changes. Nearly all children in foster care already receive Medicaid, with over 112,000 being enrolled nationwide.

Foster youth have higher rates of chronic conditions and mental health challenges. Many also have more health problems and past trauma than non-foster youth. Additionally, they move around a lot and may not have stable housing, which makes it tough to keep important papers and stay signed up for programs like Medicaid. Because of these challenges, losing Medicaid or SNAP can make it harder to see a doctor, get treatment for health issues, or find a safe place to live.

TL;DR…Will Foster Kids Lose Medicaid and SNAP Coverage?

Kids in foster care will keep Medicaid until age 26 without needing to work. Starting late 2026, states must track work or training for caregivers, but not for the kids themselves, if those adults are on Medicaid.

SNAP benefits for former foster youth (ages 18–24) will be limited to three months unless they work, go to school, or train. This rule takes effect soon after the law passed on July 4, 2025 .

How You Can Help Foster Youth with Foster Love

Foster Love provides foster youth with the tools they need to succeed through academic programs, school supply and food drives, and projects that bring communities together. When you donate or join our service activities, you help fund these vital programs and support systemic change.

Join Foster Love today to make a meaningful impact in the lives of foster youth and help build a brighter future.