Keep Kids Covered Act

This proposal aims to keep children steadily covered under Medicaid and CHIP, so they don’t lose care because of paperwork or small income changes. It makes coverage for newborns last until their sixth birthday, instead of just one year, and allows transfer from CHIP to Medicaid if the child qualifies for full Medicaid during that time. It also lengthens continuous coverage for many kids under 19 from 12 months to 24 months, creates clear rules for kids under 6 and those ages 6–18, and keeps former foster youth covered up to age 26 as long as they stay in the state. CHIP rules are updated to match these longer coverage periods.

States must check enrollees’ contact information at least once a year during continuous coverage and tell families how long their coverage period lasts, so people don’t miss important notices or renewals. Most changes start one year after the law is enacted. For former foster youth, the age-26 coverage rule applies to those who turned 18 on or after January 1, 2023, and also to others beginning 180 days after the law takes effect.

• Who is affected: Newborns and children under 19 on Medicaid/CHIP; former foster youth up to age 26; state Medicaid/CHIP agencies .
• What changes: Newborn coverage until age 6; longer continuous eligibility for children (generally 24 months); continued coverage for former foster youth through age 26; annual contact updates and notices during continuous coverage; CHIP aligned to these rules .
• When: Most provisions start 1 year after enactment; special start dates for former foster youth coverage as noted above.