Former foster youth in California are eligible for Medi-Cal until age 26 under the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA). This ensures that former foster youth can access the health care services they need, just like non-foster youth who can stay on their parents’ insurance plans until 26. Marcy Valenzuela has been without health insurance for the last four years. By the time she was 18, she had lived in several foster placements, had become addicted to drugs and spent time in juvenile hall. The 25-year-old is getting her life back on track, starting with her health.
Video by Heidi de Marco/KHN