Senate Health, Education, Work, and Pensions (HELP) Committee members Sen. Edward J. Markey, Democrat, Massachusetts, and Sen. Jeff Markley, Democrat, Ore. announced the reintroduction of sex. Judicial Medical Insurance Act. A law that protects the continuation of federal health benefits under Medicaid, Medicare, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and the Department of Veterans Affairs for Americans who are detained while awaiting trial and often remain detained. Because they don’t have bail.
This makes it easier for people to continue to receive essential medical care, such as substance use disorder and mental health treatment, during and after incarceration. The act would partially rescind the Federal Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy of 1965.
“Medical care should be a right, not a privilege, which means it shouldn’t be contingent on whether you can afford bail,” Markey said. “The time is long past for Congress to end discriminatory policies that make it difficult for people to get the care they need, such as substance use disorders and mental health services.
Arrested people are too often left out of the health care system, leaving an inadequate criminal justice system to fill the gap and continuing to work with counties in Massachusetts to break down barriers to essential health care. , we will build a system to ensure the safety of people. Care before confinement. Thank you Senator Markley for your continued partnership in ending these unjust policies once and for all. ”
“Americans with critical health conditions, including those awaiting trial, need access to quality healthcare and cannot afford to have these benefits cut off,” Markley said. said. “In the United States, you are innocent until proven guilty, and the Pretrial Health Insurance Fairness Act ensures that pretrial detainees maintain health insurance and receive the medical care they need.”
Currently, those who are arrested and able to post bail maintain insurance. Those who have not been convicted of the crimes charged but remain in detention may lose their rights. As a result, there are disparities in coverage for those awaiting trial who are covered by the federal health program, so that they cannot receive the care they need locally, and pretrial detainee medical costs are locally of the city, county, and state. agency. This gap is particularly difficult for people with substance use disorders and other mental health conditions that require consistent and sustained treatment.
Sen. Markey last Congress secured provisions in a year-end omnibus spending package that would allow Medicaid coverage at the state level for juveniles detained pending indictment. The Pretrial Health Coverage Equity Act will go further, extending coverage to everyone regardless of age.
You can find a copy of the law here.
Senate co-sponsors include Senator Cory Booker (D-California), Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ohio), Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts) and Amy Klobuchar (D-California). , Minnesota) and Tammy Baldwin (Democrat, Wisconsin).
The Pretrial Health Care Fairness Act is governed by the National Correctional Medical Commission, the National Sheriffs Association, the United States Major County Sheriffs Association, the National County Association, the Massachusetts Sheriffs Association, the Oregon County Association, the Oregon State Sheriffs Association, and the National Sheriffs Association. Approved by government associations. Mental Health Council.
“All inmates have a constitutional right to health care, and many desperately need it. It is unfair and unfair to the local agencies that have to pay for medical care. It’s the only organization in the country that fully supports the Pretrial Health Insurance Equity Act and the continuity of care it provides,” said Deborah Ross, CEO of the National Board of Correctional Medicine. .
“Because individuals in pretrial detention are presumed innocent until proven guilty, they should continue to receive Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and VA benefits. That’s why the county sheriff believes Congress should enact a pretrial health insurance equity law.Passing this bill isn’t just good public health policy.It’s a good public It’s also a security policy,” said Megan Noland, executive director of the U.S. Major County Sheriff’s Department.
“Oregon is in the midst of an unprecedented housing shortage and substance abuse treatment. Members of our community are entering prisons and juvenile detention facilities with pressing and complex health needs. Medicare, Medicaid, and Veterans Benefits will improve coordination of health care services, improve health outcomes, and reduce short-term costs for local taxpayers and long-term costs for the federal government,” said Derrick, Klamath County Commissioner. Mr DeGroot said. President of the Oregon County Association.
“People with mental health and substance use problems make up the majority of the criminal justice system. Access to care should not be denied Continuity of care is very important, especially for people living with We commend Senator Markey for prioritizing this issue and look forward to working with him and fellow lawmakers to continue closing the gaps in access to care.” said Chuck Ingoglia, president and chief executive officer of the National Mental Health Council.
“The Massachusetts Sheriffs Association and the 14 duly elected sheriffs of the Commonwealth clearly and overwhelmingly support the Pretrial Health Insurance Fairness Act. Massachusetts has put an undue strain on the safety of Massachusetts, public health, entire communities and, most importantly, individuals themselves. “Expanding health coverage for eligible incarcerated individuals pending indictment can and will change lives,” said Nicholas Kocchi, president of the State Sheriff’s Association. rice field.
“This law facilitates federal health care benefits efforts under Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. And it’s going to be another big step,” said Collin County, Texas Sheriff Jim Skinner.
