The Foster Care Independence Act of 1999 addresses the national problem associated with youth aging out of the system. This act was created to help by increased funding for independent living programs, provide life skills in the areas of finances, health, education, employment, and housing (Carroll, 2002, p. 3). However, The current approach of only mandating some services and simply encouraging others is failing. The policy encourages stated to extend Medicaid coverage to youth who have aged out of the system (Carroll, 2012). In a study done in Wisconsin, it was reported that 44% of youth who aged out of the system had a problem obtaining medical care mainly due to a lack of health insurance (Carroll, 2012). Additionally, the current approach is failing as the act "allows" states to offer independent living services to youth who are most likely going to be in foster care until they age out. However, it was reported that 20% of children that aged out with become instantly homeless. 

Making the change of mandating all benefits/services of this act in each state would address the inequity that is currently seen from state to state. In addition, making this change would take the pressure off of states to have other programs that assist foster youth in those ways.

The time is now to call upon our policy makers to make this change so that all foster youth have an equal chance at being successful.