MADISON – Medicaid guidelines affecting incarcerated members will take effect later this month, state officials announced Friday.
Beginning Oct. 24, officials will suspend benefits for incarcerated members when they enter incarceration. Before release, an inmate will have their benefits re-evaluated.
Policy changes’ affect on current standard
Under the current policy, Medicaid members have their coverage terminated when they became incarcerated. Medical and behavioral health care was often delayed after their release, as a result.
Medicaid is a federal program that provides health care services to low-income people.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and the Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC) made the policy change. The two departments worked with income maintenance agencies and community partners.
Delays in care and re-arrest
Delays in care can result in increased negative health outcomes and rates of re-arrest.
Incarcerated individuals are more likely to experience chronic physical and mental health conditions, the Kaiser Family Foundation states. This includes serious mental illnesses or substance abuse disorders.
In the two weeks after release, adults leaving incarceration face a mortality rate 12.7 times higher than other adults.
“This new policy will increase the likelihood of successful re-entry for Wisconsin residents into their communities,” DHS Secretary-designee Andrea Palm said in a news release.
“Connecting incarcerated individuals to health care and other support services upon their release is critical to breaking the cycles of chronic homelessness, reliance on emergency care and re-arrest.”
Supervising more than 20,000
As of Oct. 9, the DOC’s Division of Adult Institutions was supervising 20,953 people. Nearly 70 percent of people released from incarceration in 2019 were eligible for a Medicaid program. In Wisconsin, the prison system released 9,585 residents from incarceration in the 2019 federal fiscal year.
Officials also expect the new policy to reduce expense pressure on community organizations and free or low-cost clinics.
Medicaid will pay for inpatient hospital expenses for inmates with suspended benefits. As a result, the policy should result in cost savings for the DOC and local county jails.
Also in the News
Porch fire displaces family, garage a total loss in 2 separate fire emergencies
RACINE, WI — A porch fire displaced a Racine family and a garage was deemed a total loss in two separate fire emergencies on Monday, April 22. The Racine Fire Department issued press releases for both. Family displaced by porch fire Firefighters responded at about 11 p.m. Monday, April 22, to a home in the…
Racine embraces National Freshwater Challenge to enhance water conservation, public enjoyment
RACINE, Wis. — Racine has joined the ranks of the first participants in the America the Beautiful Freshwater Challenge, an initiative President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris announced during the White House Water Summit. This nationwide effort is designed to protect, restore and reconnect 8 million acres of wetlands and 100,000 miles of…
Racine community celebrates achievement, growth across various fields: 5 inspiring stories from around the county
RACINE — Who doesn’t love a shoutout for a good deed or a job well done? Racine County Eye wants to elevate these good deeds within our community. Check out these standout stories from Facebook. Racine’s community spirit is shining brightly as residents of all ages, together with their families, educators and local volunteers, are…
You must be logged in to post a comment.