The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced a significant initiative to extend Medicaid coverage to individuals transitioning out of prison in five states. This move aims to address the often-delayed access to healthcare faced by adults and youth reentering society from incarceration.
The states included in this expansion are Illinois, Kentucky, Oregon, Utah, and Vermont. Previously, California, Massachusetts, Montana, and Washington had already been approved for similar changes, as noted in the department’s release.
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra emphasized the importance of this step in promoting health equity, stating, “For people involved in the justice system, ensuring a successful transition back into the community includes having the health care supports and services they need.”
Under this initiative, individuals can now receive Medicaid coverage up to 90 days before their expected release from prison. This coverage encompasses a range of services, including substance use disorder treatment, which is crucial given the higher prevalence of such conditions among the incarcerated population.
Vikki Wachino, executive director of the Health and Reentry Project, underscored the potential impact of healthcare access during reentry, highlighting its role in improving health outcomes, reducing recidivism rates, and enhancing public safety.
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) are actively collaborating with additional states and the District of Columbia to facilitate similar reentry requests, reflecting ongoing efforts to expand healthcare access for justice-involved individuals nationwide.
