Protect America’s Workforce Act

Senate Bill

S. 2837

119th Congress

Protect America’s Workforce Act

In Committee

Introduced:Sep 17, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Bob Casey

D - PA

Cosponsors

0

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Health

Summary

This bill would expand Medicaid coverage for former foster youth until they turn 26 years old. It would extend this coverage to those who were placed in legal guardianship or emancipated from foster care before age 18, not just those who were enrolled in Medicaid while in foster care.

Latest Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill would expand Medicaid coverage for former foster youth until they turn 26 years old. It would extend this coverage to those who were placed in legal guardianship or emancipated from foster care before age 18, not just those who were enrolled in Medicaid while in foster care.

Last updated: 12/29/2025

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Expanded Coverage for Former Foster Youth ActThis bill modifies provisions relating to the coverage of former foster youths under Medicaid.Under current law, a state Medicaid program must cover former foster youths until the age of 26 if the youths were in a state's foster care system at the age of 18 and were enrolled in a state's Medicaid program while in foster care. The bill requires state Medicaid programs to also cover former foster youths who were placed in a legal guardianship with a kinship caregiver or were emancipated from foster care before the age of 18. The bill repeals the provision that requires former foster youths to have been enrolled in a state Medicaid program while in foster care in order to qualify for Medicaid coverage until the age of 26.The bill also requires states to establish Medicaid outreach and enrollment programs for former foster youths.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Extends Medicaid coverage for former foster youth up to age 26, even if they were not enrolled in Medicaid while in foster care
Includes former foster youth who were placed in legal guardianship or emancipated before age 18
Requires states to have outreach and enrollment programs to help former foster youth sign up for Medicaid

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

This bill would positively impact thousands of former foster youth across the country by ensuring they have access to affordable healthcare coverage as they transition to adulthood. It would help provide stability and support for a vulnerable population during a critical time in their lives.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Health

Related Subjects

Adoption and foster care

Health care coverage and access

Medicaid

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

2837, 119th Congress (2025). "Protect America’s Workforce Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-2837