Expanded Medicaid Coverage for Youth Leaving Incarceration

1In an important move toward strengthening the continuum of care for youth transitioning from incarceration, the Department of Human Services last month issued Medical Assistance Bulletin 01-25-34, making Medicaid coverage and targeted case management service available to youth under 21 up to 30 days prior to and 30 days following release from incarceration. The goal is to ensure that young people leaving incarceration have access to the medical and behavioral health services they need to most successfully reintegrate into society.

In July 2024, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a State Health Official (SHO) letter guiding states on the implementation of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, specifically Section 5121, which mandates that states offer expanded health services to youth leaving correctional settings. In the letter, CMS notes that people leaving incarceration often face significant challenges like mental health and substance use disorders, and that providing timely access to care can improve health outcomes and reduce recidivism.  Highlighting the need for access to Medicaid and behavioral health services upon reentry, CMS encourages states to implement strategies that facilitate enrollment in Medicaid, ensure continuity of care, and coordinate services to support successful reintegration into society.