Department of Human Services

FURTHER INFORMATION:

October 12 , 2004
Joe Delmar
(609) 292-3703

Human Services and foster parents address medical care of foster children

TRENTON – Department of Human Services (DHS) Commissioner James M. Davy announced today that the Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) will begin automatic enrollment of all foster children into a Medicaid HMO beginning early next year.

Through its partnership with Foster and Adoptive Family Services (FAFS), the lead advocacy organization for foster and adoptive families, several exemptions will be developed to allow foster parents the opportunity to continue with Medicaid fee for service care instead of an HMO.

“We all care about our children,” said Commissioner Davy. “When it comes to medical care, we need to do what is in the best interest of the child.”

Since the beginning of the year, approximately 3,800 foster children have been voluntarily enrolled into an HMO. However, another 4,000 foster children who are eligible for a Medicaid HMO have yet to be enrolled by their foster parent.

A Medicaid HMO provides a care manager- often a nurse- who can help the foster parent coordinate medical care. They also help remind a foster parent of important check-ups and immunizations. Finally, a care manager can help identify specialists who can work with the primary doctor and coordinate needed care.

“Automatic enrollment is not a decision we made lightly,” explained Commissioner Davy. “With FAFS' support, we have established several exemptions that clearly are in the best interests of the child.”

The exemptions for not using a Medicaid HMO for a foster child include:

• The foster parent is currently using a doctor who does not participate in one of the designated HMOs – medical care may continue with the same doctor.

• Emergency placements and all Special Home Service Providers (SHSP) homes that care for medically fragile children will be exempt.

• Foster parents who have established their own network of doctors for their foster children (i.e. primary doctors who coordinate with specialists already)

• A child is forced to move to a new home and a participating doctor is not in close proximity then an HMO would not be appropriate.

“We are pleased Commissioner Davy and DHS have developed a comprehensive plan to meet our children's medical needs,” said FAFS President Janet Farrand, who has been a foster and adoptive parent for the past 16 years. “What truly impresses us is that the ‘one size fits all' approach is gone. Human Services listened to the concerns of foster families and responded in a way that proves they have a commitment to us that is in the best interest of the children.”

By the end of the month, DHS and FAFS will coordinate several mailings to notify foster parents that automatic enrollment will begin early next year. Foster parents will be given the opportunity to “opt-out” based on the exemptions listed above.

To learn more about foster parenting in New Jersey , call toll free 1-877-NJ-FOSTER or visit www.njfostercare.org .

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