Medicaid Eligibility Policy for Children in Foster Care
According to a 1995 report by the General Accounting Office, the 300,000 children living in foster care are among the most vulnerable children in the U.S. As a group, they are sicker than homeless children and children living in the poorest sections of inner cities. This high level of health care need makes health care coverage crucial to a state’s ability to care effectively and adequately for children in foster care. In most cases, the Medicaid program is the primary source of such coverage. However, a child in foster care is not necessarily eligible for Medicaid. While states have the flexibility to provide Medicaid coverage to almost all children in foster care, they are not required to do so. As a result, a child in foster care may be eligible for Medicaid depending on the child’s circumstances and the Medicaid eligibility rules in the state in which he or she resides.
| 1999.Mar_.medicaid.eligibility.policy.children.foster.care_.pdf | 10.9 MB |
For individuals living with complex, often chronic conditions, and their families, palliative care can provide relief from symptoms, improve satisfaction and outcomes, and help address critical mental and spiritual needs during difficult times. Now more than ever, there is growing recognition of the importance of palliative care services for individuals with serious illness, such as advance care planning, pain and symptom management, care coordination, and team-based, multi-disciplinary support. These services can help patients and families cope with the symptoms and stressors of disease, better anticipate and avoid crises, and reduce unnecessary and/or unwanted care. While this model is grounded in evidence that demonstrates improved quality of life, better outcomes, and reduced cost for patients, only a fraction of individuals who could benefit from palliative care receive it. 
