Important Update for Medicaid Members:
Starting now, Illinois, Kentucky, Oregon, Utah, and Vermont will provide better Medicaid and CHIP health care coverage for people leaving incarceration. This helps those with health needs, like substance-use disorders or chronic conditions, get the care they need without delays when they return to their communities.
Key Points:
- People transitioning out of incarceration often face delays in getting Medicaid or CHIP coverage, which can harm their health and safety.
- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) approved a new program to help these individuals get coverage before they leave incarceration, ensuring a smooth transition and no gaps in coverage.
- These states join California, Massachusetts, Montana, and Washington in this innovative effort to expand access to affordable health care.
What This Means:
- People in Illinois, Kentucky, Oregon, Utah, and Vermont will get health care support during their transition out of incarceration.
- Medicaid and CHIP programs will work together to ensure people have continuous coverage and can access community-based health care providers.
- This program aims to improve public health and safety by providing necessary health services, reducing emergency visits, and preventing deaths related to substance use and other health issues.
Additional Benefits:
- Better access to services before release and smoother transitions into the community.
- Improved coordination between correctional facilities, Medicaid programs, and community health providers.
- Increased investments in health care to improve the quality of care for people in incarceration settings.
- Enhanced connections to community services for physical and mental health needs.
- Better treatment for behavioral health conditions and use of medications to prevent health crises after release.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure everyone has access to high-quality, affordable health care. By addressing the needs of those transitioning out of incarceration, we are working towards a healthier and safer community for all.
For more information you can visit https://www.medicaid.gov/.
