The Family Vaccine Protection Act would require state Medicaid programs to cover dental services for current and former foster youth under the age of 26. This would ensure that these young people have access to important dental care and screenings, which can be crucial for their overall health and wellbeing.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
The Family Vaccine Protection Act would require state Medicaid programs to cover dental services for current and former foster youth under the age of 26. This would ensure that these young people have access to important dental care and screenings, which can be crucial for their overall health and wellbeing.
Last updated: 12/29/2025
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><b>Foster Youth Dental Act of </b><b>2023</b></p> <p>This bill expands Medicaid coverage of current and former foster youth, particularly with respect to dental services.</p> <p>Specifically, the bill requires state Medicaid programs to cover early and periodic screening, diagnostic, and treatment services, including dental services, for current and former foster youth under the age of 26. States must set a special payment rate, based on rates in the private sector, for dental services provided to such individuals; the bill provides an enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (i.e., federal matching rate) for excess expenses that result from such payments. The bill's requirements take effect 80 days after the date of enactment of the bill.</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Requires state Medicaid programs to cover dental services for current and former foster youth under 26
Sets a special payment rate for dental services provided to these individuals, based on private sector rates
Provides an enhanced federal funding match to states to help cover the excess costs of these dental services
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
This bill would directly benefit current and former foster youth by giving them access to vital dental care through Medicaid. This population often faces additional health challenges, so ensuring they can get the dental services they need could have a significant positive impact on their overall health and quality of life. The increased federal funding would also help alleviate the financial burden on states to provide these services.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Health
Related Subjects
Adoption and foster care
Child health
Dental care
Health care costs and insurance
Health promotion and preventive care
Inflation and prices
Medicaid
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
3701, 119th Congress (2025). "Family Vaccine Protection Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-3701
