NYAPRS Note: The following comes to us courtesy of Ron Manderscheid who writes “please check out this recently updated 50-state map, which shows states that suspend or terminate Medicaid coverage for people entering jail or prison.
States have the option to suspend rather than terminate Medicaid coverage while a person is incarcerated. Suspending Medicaid makes it easier for a person leaving the criminal justice system to regain health coverage upon their release. This ensures quicker access to mental health services, prescribed medicines, and other needed care. It also helps the economy, improves the health of local communities, and can reduce the chance of people returning to jail or prison.”
New: NYAPRS worked closely with the Legal Action Center and MHANYS to win legislation whereby the state will apply for an expected waiver enhancing discharge planning by restoring Medicaid benefits 30 days before release from jails and prisons.
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Medicaid Suspension Policies for Incarcerated People: 50-State Map
By Elizabeth Hagan Families USA May 2016
People who are in prison are generally not eligible for Medicaid. But making sure they can get health care when they are released is smart policy.
States can adopt a policy to suspend—rather than terminate—a person’s Medicaid coverage while he or she is incarcerated. The map below shows which states suspend and which states terminate Medicaid for people entering jail or prison.
Suspending Medicaid makes it easier for a person leaving the criminal justice system to regain health coverage. This ensures quicker access to mental health services, prescribed medicines, and other needed care. It also helps the economy, improves the health of local communities, and reduces the chance of people returning to prison.