Announcement for 03/31/11
New CSG Justice Center FAQ on Health Reform Legislation
Last month marked the one-year anniversary of the passage of federal health reform legislation. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act improves access to health care for individuals leaving prison and jail—many of whom have significant health needs—in part by expanding eligibility for Medicaid to nearly all low-income populations. The Council of State Governments Justice Center (which coordinates the National Reentry Resource Center) recently released a frequently asked questions document, "The Implications of Federal Health Legislation on Justice-Involved Populations." This FAQ examines how the health reform legislation expands these adults’ eligibility for Medicaid and what services will now be available to them, the requirements and exemptions specified by the legislation, and how Medicaid enrollment will take place. To download this FAQ, click here.
This is the first release in a four-document series by the CSG Justice Center on the intersection of behavioral health and the criminal justice system. An FAQ on behavioral health disorders and people returning from prison and jail was also released this month. Soon-to-be-released publications include a guide on how to maximize opportunities for Medicaid enrollment for people returning from prison and jail; and a follow-up health reform report that looks at the way the legislation is implemented at the state and local levels. These and other resources will be announced via this list serv.