The Department of Health and Human Services on Thursday said former criminal offenders can be insured by Medicaid, the federal healthcare program for the poor.
People on probation, parole, under house arrest or living in halfway homes who otherwise are Medicaid-eligible can access the program, HHS clarified.
The move could insure up to 96,000 people this year in states that expanded Medicaid as part of the Affordable Care Act, the agency said.
“Historically, the vast majority of justice-involved individuals have been uninsured, while experiencing disproportionately high rates of chronic conditions, infectious disease and behavioral health issues,” HHS said.
Studies show that half of the country’s prisoners have mental illnesses or substance addictions, HHS noted.
“As we celebrate national re-entry week, it is important to understand the critical role access to healthcare plays in successful returns to the community for so many Americans trying to change their lives,” Assistant HHS Secretary Richard Frank said.
The Obama administration declared this week “national re-entry week” as part of its push for overhauling the nation’s criminal justice system and better reintegrating former prisoners back into society.
