CALL TO ACTION: Assist efforts to repeal the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy
CCI is encouraging commissioners to assist NACo in their efforts to repeal the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy (MIEP). This is the policy that prohibits inmates from receiving Medicaid coverage when they are in jail.
The following bills address the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy (MIEP):
- The Medicaid Reentry Act (H.R. 955/S.285), which would allow Medicaid payment for medical services furnished to an incarcerated individual during the 30-day period preceding the individual’s release.
- The Due Process Continuity of Care Act (S.2697/ H.R. 6636), which would allow pretrial detainees to receive Medicaid benefits at the option of the state.
- The Equity in Pretrial Health Coverage Act (S.3050), which would remove limitations under Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP and the Department of Veterans Affairs on benefits for persons in custody pending disposition of charges.
NACo has provided these samples/templates to do the following:
- Write to Members of Congress
- Publish a Letter to the Editor
- Engage your Members of Congress on Social Media
CCI adopted Gilpin County’s proposal regarding medical coverage for county inmates (available here) as a “Table 2” item, so that CCI can continue to engage on this topic and promote the repeal of these exclusions and other efforts that could reduce county jail medical costs.
You can learn more about this policy and its impact on counties on the NACo website.
For additional questions, please contact Katie First.
