Louisiana is partnering with the U.S. Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services on a program that would allow soon-to-be-released inmates receive health insurance through Medicaid. Governor Jeff Landry says this proactive approach helps offenders successfully transition back into their communities and rebuild their lives.
“To make sure that once people are finished their sentencing, their term, that when they come back out, we want them to become a productive member of society,” Landry said.
Under this new policy, inmates would be approved for Medicaid up to 90 days before they are released from prison or jail. Landry says the initiative gives inmates a continuity of care, particularly for individuals with mental health and substance use disorders.
“This is just part and parcel of further helping those inmates transition into a normal life,” Landry said.
Louisiana Health Secretary Bruce Greenstein says by beginning medical services for substance abuse treatment and mental health disorders while in prison and providing a 30-day supply of prescription drugs, these individuals are much less likely to go back to jail after they are released.
“As they are released, they’ll roll out with their Medicaid card and will begin being a Medicaid member, likely of a health plan, once they leave,” Greenstein explained.
Officials are aiming to have the program operating in the summer.
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