Title 16
15000 AFDC-TANF Related Programs
15410 Infants Awaiting Adoption
Federal Regulation 435.222(1) reads: "(1) Individuals in foster homes or private institutions for whom a public agency is assuming a full or partial financial responsibility. If the agency covers these individuals, it may also provide Medicaid to individuals of the same age placed in foster homes or private institutions by private non-profit agencies."
Effective October 1, 1988, Delaware Medicaid will cover children who, within the first year of birth, are placed with private agencies for the purpose of adoption.
15410.1 Eligibility Determination
The adoption agency must complete an application form on behalf of the infant and representative of the agency must sign it.
Agency must provide verification of eligibility factors. Agency must provide the "Consent to Place the Infant for Adoption" form signed by the mother.
Child's income must be less than the TANF payment standard for one. Child’s resources must be less than TANF limits. Do not count the income and resources of the natural parent.
15410.2 Effective Date of Coverage
Medicaid coverage begins on the date of birth if the Consent form is signed within 5 days of the date of birth or if the mother was receiving Medicaid at the time of the baby's birth. If the Consent form is not signed within 5 days of the date of birth, Medicaid coverage will begin on the date the Consent form was signed or the date of placement with the agency.
15410.3 Termination of Eligibility
Coverage is terminated when the infant is placed with the prospective adoptive parents even if the adoption is not final. Foster parents may also be the prospective adoptive parents. If the child is placed in foster care with the prospective adoptive parents, coverage must terminate. Give adequate and timely notice and close case.
