GAINS Center to Conduct Net/Teleconference on Enrolling Jail Diversion Program Participants in Medicaid, SSI/SSDI

The National GAINS TAPA Center for Jail Diversion is conducting a Net/Teleconference on Thursday, August 25 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (EST) focusing on the challenge of enrolling jail diversion program participants in Medicaid and SSI/SSDI.

An overview of the entitlement enrollment process and strategies for jail diversion programs to facilitate this process will be provided by presenters Yvonne Perret, Executive Director of the Advocacy and Training Center and Deborah Dennis, Vice President of the Housing and Homelessness Division at Policy Research Associates - which coordinates the GAINS TAPA Center. A case study will be provided by Debbie May, Project Director for both the St. Louis County Jail Diversion Program and the St. Louis Mental Health Court.

Conference participants will listen to the live presentation via telephone (toll-free) while viewing a PowerPoint presentation via the internet. Following the presentations, participants will have an opportunity to discuss a range of topics, including:

• Expediting enrollment in SSI/SSDI through the establishment of pre-release agreements between jails and local Social Security Offices;
• Working with state legislatures to ensure that Medicaid enrollment is suspended, rather than terminated, when an individual is incarcerated;
• Eligibility requirements for SSI/SSDI and how jail diversion staff can help program participants gather required documentation; and
• Assisting individuals who are involved with the criminal justice system enroll in entitlement programs.

For instructions on how to register and access the presentation on the day of the event, click here.

[For materials from the Net/Teleconference, click here.]

For more information, contact Brian Case at 866-518-TAPA (8272).