Bill · S. 2496· Senate(119-S-2496)
Keep Kids Covered Act
- Introduced
- 7/29/2025
- Last activity
- 7/29/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- Sponsored by
- Michael Bennet
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is called the Keep Kids Covered Act. It changes the rules for Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program, commonly known as CHIP. The main goal is to make sure certain children and former foster youth do not lose their healthcare coverage unexpectedly. Under this bill, eligible newborns and young children can keep their healthcare coverage continuously. It also extends continuous healthcare coverage periods for other older children and former foster youth. Additionally, the bill requires states to check and update contact information for people enrolled in these programs every year.
Yes· 3 of 18
Would children be better off under this?+9
Newborns and children up to age 18 benefit from extended continuous eligibility, preventing unexpected gaps in healthcare.
Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this?+8
Former foster youth are granted continuous Medicaid eligibility until age 26, providing crucial support during early adulthood.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+8
Low-income families relying on Medicaid and CHIP gain financial security and consistent health coverage for their dependents.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Newborn Coverage Protection: Under Section 2(a), newborns who are automatically deemed eligible for Medicaid or CHIP can now keep that coverage until they turn 6 years old, instead of losing it after just one year. This is a big win because it prevents young children from facing gaps in their healthcare during their early developmental years.
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Longer Coverage Periods for Children: Under Section 2(b), children ages 6 through 18 get a 24-month period of continuous eligibility under Medicaid. This means families do not have to worry about red tape or paperwork every year just to keep their kids covered.
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Support for Former Foster Youth: Under Section 2(b) and Section 3, former foster youth can stay continuously eligible for Medicaid until they turn 26 years old, as long as they live in the state. This provides a crucial safety net for vulnerable young adults as they transition into independence.
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Better Communication with Families: Under Section 2(c), states must create a process to gather up-to-date contact information at least once a year and remind people of their remaining enrollment time. This common-sense rule helps ensure families do not miss important notices about their healthcare benefits.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
Based on the provided text, there are no specific provisions that create negative consequences, burdens, or penalties for individuals or families in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Children+9Good For Low Income Households+8Good For Young Adults+8Good For Middle Class Households+5Good For People With Disabilities+4Good For African Americans+3Good For Hispanic Americans+3Good For Native Americans+3Good For Students+3Good For Women+3Good For Immigrants+2Good For Rural Residents+2Good For Urban Residents+2
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+8Increases Medicaid Funding+8
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3Increases Federal Power+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+4
- 7/29/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.