NCJ Number
240778
Date Published
February 2012
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This monograph discusses the key parts of the Affordable Care Act that pertain to inmate health care.
Abstract
Key elements of the Affordable Care Act that pertain to inmate health care deal with expanded coverage of children up to the age of 27, the expansion of Medicaid, and mental health parity. The increase in coverage for young adults is expected to create challenges in billing for on-site services as well create savings opportunities for off-site admissions. With more offenders being eligible for health care coverage due to the expansion of Medicaid, incoming offenders will have records they usually didn't have before and they will be eligible for health care upon release. The inclusion of mental health parity in the Affordable Care Act will lead to the increased availability of mental health and substance abuse treatment services for newly released offenders, thereby aiding in the reentry process. This monograph also discusses the implications that these health care changes will have on corrections organizations. These implications deal with reentry objectives, budget and fiscal considerations, contracting with health care vendors, engaging in State-based exchange planning, changes in work processes, and health care work force challenges. Appendix and references