Millions of individuals serve time in prisons or jails each year, and a significant percentage of them are living with a substance use disorder and/or a mental health disorder. There are clear opportunities to improve the health of these individuals as well as their experience both in correctional facilities and as they reintegrate into their communities, families and circles of friends.
The statistical data in this executive summary illustrates why it’s important to adapt health care policies for people who are either currently in prison or jail or who are returning to their communities after completing a sentence. A few of the key issues include:
- Medicaid suspension vs. termination
- Mental health programs specifically targeted to these populations
- Health care data-sharing between corrections facilities and the health care system
- Transition care and reentry services
