March 26, 2026
Mr. Bilirakis (for himself and Ms. Brownley) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce
To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to ensure that children in foster care who are placed in a qualified residential treatment program are eligible for Medicaid.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Ensuring Medicaid Continuity for Children in Foster Care Act of 2026
.
Sec. 2. Exemption of children in foster care who are placed in a qualified residential treatment program from the Medicaid IMD exclusion
(a) In general
Section 1905(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396d(a)) is amended. in the matter designated as subdivision (B) following the last numbered paragraph of such section, by inserting and services provided to any individual who is a child in foster care under the responsibility of a State who has been placed in a child care institution that is a qualified residential treatment program (as defined in section 472(k)(4)), without regard to whether payments are made on behalf of such child under section 472
after section 1915(l)
.
(b) Effective date
The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to items and services furnished in calendar quarters beginning on or after October 1, 2026.