NCJ Number
246721
Journal
Health Affairs Volume: 33 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2014 Pages: 474-481
Date Published
March 2014
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article presents three case studies on programs aimed at improving health care access for the justice-involved population.
Abstract
Passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) allowed for States to choose to expand their Medicaid eligibility criteria to include adults involved with the criminal justice system. This article presents three case studies on programs that have been implemented around the country that are aimed at improving health care access for justice-involved people. The three programs highlighted in this article are from Washington State, Los Angeles County in California, and New York City. Because justice-involved persons often have health care challenges not seen in the general population, these programs were designed to deal with different aspects of care needed by or provided to this population. The first case study deals with a program in Washington State that highlights the significant cost savings that can be found by providing substance abuse treatment for jail-involved people residing in the community. The second case study deals with a program in Los Angeles County, CA, that highlights the benefits of providing arrestees in need of medical attention with access to evaluation and treatment so as to obtain medical clearance for booking them into detention. Future research is needed on this program to determine its actual benefits to the police department as well as the community. The third case study deals with the health homes program launched by the New York State Department of Health. This program helps people transition back into their communities by connecting them with needed health care services in their communities. 3 exhibits and 32 notes