Foster care and adoption assistance benefits
The Anthem HealthKeepers Plus plan is the Virginia Medicaid plan for children in foster care and receiving adoption assistance.
We are here for you and the ones you care about
Getting affordable health insurance for kids in your care is your priority. It’s ours, too. Children in foster care and adoption assistance may be eligible for Virginia Medicaid, the state’s health insurance program offering a full range of health benefits and more.
What do foster children receive?
- More than 25,000 doctors and hospitals to choose from across the state
- All Medicaid benefits, plus extras they can really use at no cost
- Case management and behavioral health services
- Case management for members aging out of foster care
Who is eligible?
- Foster care children under 18 years old
- Former foster care youth who had Medicaid and foster care services in any state at the time of their 18th birthday and are currently under age 26
- Children adopted under the Adoption Assistance program
How to sign up and switch health plans
Former foster care youth under 26
Many ways to apply are:
- Apply online at CommonHelp.
- Call Cover Virginia to apply at 855-242-8282 (TTY 711).
- Call the Department of Social Services at 804-726-7000 (TTY 711).
Children in foster care 18 years old and under
Foster youth 18 years old and under don’t need to apply. They’re automatically enrolled in Medicaid and given a health plan.
You can switch plans
If you want the Anthem HealthKeepers Plus plan for children in your care, call your caseworker to assist you. Only the caseworker can call the Managed Care HelpLine at 800-643-2273 (TTY 711) to make the change.
Want to switch primary care provider (PCP)? If your foster child is already enrolled with us, you can change their PCP by calling Member Services at 800-901-0020 (TTY 711) or logging into your secure account.
Community partners and support
Community partners
NewFound Families (formerly called FACES, or Family Advocacy Collaboration Empowerment Support of Virginia Families) is a nonprofit organization that offers support and resources so despite challenges, the experience for both foster parents and children is rewarding and helpful. To learn more, call 877-VA-FACES.
Great Expectations helps Virginia’s foster youth finish high school, get access to a community college education, and shift successfully from the foster care system to living independently.
Project LIFE helps foster youth thrive while they’re in the program and as they grow up. It gives them the opportunity to make connections and helps them get the resources they need. Project LIFE serves youth ages 14 to 21 and works together with local departments of social services to prepare youth for success after foster care.
Foster Care Alumni Association of Virginia (FCAA) is a group that offers a network of alumni, allies, and organizations that join together to form a permanent community and use their skills to help the lives of people in foster care. Call 888-ALUMNI-(0) to find local resource information.
More support
Cover Virginia is a useful resource to learn more about Virginia’s healthcare programs for kids, pregnant women, and adults. Any young adult who was in foster care on their 18th birthday can apply for benefits with the Former Foster Care program online or by calling Cover Virginia at 855-242-8282 (TTY 711).
The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) is one of the largest Commonwealth agencies, partnering with 120 other local departments, along with faith-based and nonprofit organizations, to promote the well-being of children and families statewide.
Find your local Department of Social Services.
Get more information about foster care and FAQs.