New rules to let inmates enroll in Medi-Cal before they leave prison

Long Beach Post, January 8, 2023: New rules to let inmates enroll in Medi-Cal before they leave prison

“California is preparing to expand Medi-Cal to inmates up to 90 days before release as part of the latest transformation to the state’s low-income health insurance program.

“Under the expansion, incarcerated people with a variety of health issues, including chronic conditions, mental illness, substance use disorders, disabilities, or who are pregnant will be eligible to receive assessment and treatment shortly before release. The goal, in part, is to facilitate a smooth reentry process and reduce costly emergency room visits and hospital stays.

“Typically, Medi-Cal, which provides health insurance to low-income residents, is prohibited from servicing incarcerated people, but state officials have applied for a waiver from the federal government. The waiver is expected to be granted as soon as mid-January, according to Jacey Cooper, director of the state’s Health Care Services Department. The state is also requesting $561 million to implement the changes.

“‘If we’re serious about closing equity gaps within our health system and with our Medi-Cal beneficiaries, we think that we need to focus on the prison and jail population to make sure we’re doing what we can to have a coordinated reentry,’ Cooper said.”

Additional reading:

LAist, January 9, 2023: Medi-Cal Offers Doula Services for Low-Income Birthing People

California Health Care Foundation, January 9, 2023: Reflections on CalAIM’s First Year

Popular Government, Fall 2005: Public Health behind Bars: Health Care for Jail Inmates