The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has authorized five states – Illinois, Kentucky, Oregon, Utah, and Vermont – to provide healthcare coverage for individuals transitioning out of incarceration. This authorization allows these states to continue Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Programs (CHIP) coverage for incarcerated individuals to prevent any gaps in coverage.
Through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), HHS approved this latest Medicaid and CHIP demonstration to ensure that people transitioning out of incarceration have access to healthcare coverage before release. Historically, individuals leaving incarceration have experienced delays in obtaining Medicaid or CHIP coverage, which is essential for their successful transition back into the community.
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra stated that providing healthcare support and services to people involved in the justice system is crucial for advancing health equity in the nation. Similarly, White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) Director Dr. Rahul Gupta emphasized the importance of expanding access to treatment and recovery supports for incarcerated individuals to address the overdose epidemic.
CMS highlighted that increased coverage and access to services before release will help incarcerated individuals continue treatment and receive interventions for behavioral health conditions after returning to the community. The Medicaid Reentry Section 1115 Demonstration Opportunity allows states to cover certain services for eligible individuals up to 90 days before their expected release from incarceration.
Furthermore, CMS is collaborating with other states on Medicaid Reentry Section 1115 demonstration requests to ensure that individuals transitioning out of incarceration have access to essential healthcare services.
This authorization by HHS marks an important step towards ensuring that people leaving incarceration have access to healthcare coverage before release. By providing this support, we can help them successfully transition back into the community and improve their overall health outcomes.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved a new Medicaid and CHIP demonstration project aimed at providing healthcare coverage for individuals transitioning out of incarceration. This initiative is a response
