Foster Care

Overview

DMAS is excited to announce a new and improved Medicaid health plan specially designed for youth in foster care, as well as individuals in former foster care, and receiving adoption assistance. Anthem HealthKeepers Plus has been selected to administer the single statewide Foster Care Specialty Plan (FCSP) in Virginia, with enrollment beginning July 1, 2025 for all eligible Molina members as well as members living in Central and Tidewater regions, and enrollment beginning August 1, 2025 for the remainder of the state.

Youth involved in the child welfare system are at higher risk for certain health conditions and are subject to a variety of health-related social needs.  The Foster Care Specialty Plan was designed to meet the unique medical and behavioral needs of these vulnerable members, with value-added benefits to support reunification, education, employment, and more.

As the single statewide managed care organization and entity accountable for the provision of health care services to youth in foster care, adoption assistance, and former foster care, the Foster Care Specialty Plan will be able to improve access and continuity of care, as well as the level of coordination between local Departments of Social Services, providers, and other stakeholders involved in serving these members.

Highlights include:

• Community-based teams across the five (5) DSS regions plus a statewide dedicated support line live at implementation (Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, 833-838-2605).
• Trauma-informed care management model with data informed decision-making tools to ensure member’s physical, behavioral, pharmacy, and social needs are met, as well as enhanced transition planning to empower youth aging out.
• Dedicated staffing with comprehensive expertise in specialized supports such as family preservation, post-adoption support, transitions of care, justice involvement, education and employment, and program analysis.
• Comprehensive whole-health resources to address the complex needs of youth, caregivers, and family involved in foster care; adoption assistance, and former foster care.  This includes resources for social-emotional education, caregiver toolkits, specialized training for providers, and more.
• Exclusive value-added benefits, including technology support, rewards for academic and health achievements, money for clothing, resources for a family game or movie night, engaging online classes, independent living and employment skills support, and more.

DMAS will be sharing more information about Anthem's Foster Care Specialty Plan at upcoming trainings for DSS staff, adoptive parents, former foster care members, and interested stakeholders.  You can email  Fostercare@dmas.virginia.gov  for more information.