The facts are stark.
2 out of 5 adults are in prison or jail have a history of mental illnessand An estimated 65% of the US prison population Suffering from an active substance use disorder.
As Navajo County attorneys and sheriffs, we are deeply concerned about this statistic and the impact of Medicaid inmate exclusion policies on the county and the more than 4,300 individuals who move through prison each year.
The policy, enshrined in the Federal Social Security Act, denies access to federal health care benefits to people arrested on criminal charges and imprisoned before conviction.
Unsentenced prisoners, including those with mental health disorders, substance use disorders, and chronic health conditions, are unable to receive prescribed treatment under federal health benefits and wait days, months, or days before trial. They could be in prison for weeks or even months.
This lack of care and services has a significant negative impact on both inmates and the wider community.
Inmates need care to manage their condition
county is required by federal law Providing appropriate medical care to prisoners whether they are awaiting trial or have been convicted.
However, the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy prevents eligible pretrial detainees in local prisons from accessing federal benefits such as Medicaid, Medicare, and children’s health insurance programs.
This policy has severely limited our ability to provide coordinated care to unwell inmates, resulting in worsening health conditions in the long term, increased pressure on the health care system, and costly taxpayers. It may lead to an increase in burden.
is more than 95% of prisoners eventually return to the community.
It is in our interest to ensure that detainees have access to the medical care and treatment they need to manage their condition while incarcerated, which increases their chances of reintegration after release and It helps reduce recidivism.
Additionally, the availability of federal health care benefits while awaiting trial is consistent with an individual’s constitutional right to due process, equal protection, and access to health care.
It costs money to provide care locally
Many incarcerated people have complex medical needs that require ongoing treatment and medication.
Without federal health care benefits, all of these costs are borne by local taxpayers, increasing overall health care costs and reducing funds available for other essential county services.
The average Navajo County Jail medical cost is $2.4 million annually and rising.
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Providing unconvicted inmates access to federal medical benefits improves coordination of care and reduces short-term costs for local taxpayers and long-term costs for the federal government.
As Navajo County leaders, we believe that providing access to federal health care benefits to those awaiting trial and verdict decisions is not only the right thing to do, but the wise thing to do.
Tell Congress to change this policy
We ask Congress to amend the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy to provide eligible pretrial detainees in local prisons access to federal health care benefits. Senate Bill 971Due Process Continuity of Care Act.
This measure would significantly improve care coordination for individuals suffering from mental health, substance abuse disorders, and other chronic health conditions, ultimately promoting better health and reducing healthcare costs. Become.
We believe the adoption of this legislation on behalf of unconvicted individuals is an important step towards improving the health care system and promoting public safety.
We urge you to urge Congress to support Senate Bill 971 to amend the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy.
Brad Carlyon is a Navajo County attorney and David Close is a county sheriff. Contact information is as follows:bradley.carlyon@navajocountyaz.gov andsheriff@navajocountyaz.gov.
