Supporting Medicaid and Reentry Coordination

People leaving jails and prisons face disproportionately high rates of illness, injury, overdose, and death. Today, federal opportunities and growing collaboration between Medicaid agencies and the criminal justice system are supporting new efforts to improve health outcomes for people returning to their communities.

Greater federal flexibility and a wave of 1115 demonstration approvals support a new approach to improve Medicaid services upon reentry. The Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS), together with partners, has developed practical resources to help states maximize these opportunities. These resources are designed to help foster collaboration between state Medicaid agencies and the criminal legal system to support access to health care services for people reentering their communities.

Medicaid Basics for Correctional Leaders and Agencies

This brief from CHCS and the Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center provides the basics on Medicaid and CHIP for corrections leaders and discusses opportunities for alignment between state Medicaid and correctional partners to leverage resources and improve outcomes for people involved in the justice system who are returning to their communities. READ MORE

What Correctional Agencies Need to Know about the Medicaid Section 1115 Reentry Demonstration Opportunity

In 2023, The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services introduced an 1115 demonstration enabling states to cover select Medicaid services for people leading up to release from jail or prison. This brief from CHCS and the CSG Justice Center outlines the correctional facilities eligible to participate, details who is eligible to receive services, specifies what Medicaid services are covered, and offers next steps for agencies interested in participating. READ MORE

Five Ways Medicaid Can Improve Outcomes for People Involved in the Criminal Legal System

Medicaid can play a critical role in coordinating effective health and social services for individuals leaving incarceration, ultimately helping to prevent future criminal legal system involvement. This blog post outlines how Medicaid programs and the criminal legal system can partner to enhance health outcomes and reduce incarceration rates.?READ MORE

New Medicaid Opportunities to Support Youth Leaving Incarceration

Youth incarceration and justice system involvement exacerbate unmet health and well-being needs, creating a cycle of reincarceration and poor health outcomes. This report provides guidance for leveraging Medicaid to improve transitions from incarceration for youth involved in the justice system.?READ MORE

Understanding the Evidence: Addressing Behavioral Health Needs During Community Reentry from Prison and Jail

Behavioral health care providers, correctional facilities, policymakers, health plans, and community-based organizations can use this?Better Care Playbook?Collection to understand evidence-based strategies to better meet the behavioral health needs of people during reentry and learn about promising implementation strategies. EXPLORE THE COLLECTION