Congressman Dan Goldman Fights to Improve Physical and Mental Health Care for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals

Bipartisan ‘Reentry Act’ Would Allow States to Restore Medicaid Access for Incarcerated Individuals Up to 30 Days Before Release

Formerly Incarcerated Individuals 129 Times More Likely to Die in First Two Weeks After Release

New Legislation Would Fill the Gap in Care for Uniquely Vulnerable Population

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) joined Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20) in introducing the Reentry Act to empower states to restore access to health care for incarcerated individuals 30 days before their release. Recently released individuals are at the epicenter of the opioid epidemic, being 129 times more likely to die of a drug overdose in the first two weeks after release compared to the general population. Medicaid is generally prohibited from paying for expenses incurred while a beneficiary is incarcerated, even when an incarcerated individual remains Medicaid eligible. Restarting Medicaid benefits 30 days pre-release eases the ability of states to provide effective addiction treatment and services, allows for smoother transitions to community care, and reduces the risk of overdose deaths post-release.

“Cutting red tape on Medicaid eligibility is a crucial and commonsense step to ensure that previously incarcerated individuals are able to successfully and safely reintegrate into society,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “A lack of care and resources in the transition period between incarceration and release is a large contributor to recidivism and health complications for people who are otherwise eligible for Medicaid coverage. Restarting Medicaid coverage earlier and creating an on-ramp to regain eligibility is a commonsense opportunity to save lives and provide proper care for all who need it.” 

The Reentry Act is supported by over than 60 organizations, including: AAPA; The American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists (AAPP); American Bar Association; American Counseling Association; American Jail Association; American Society of Addiction Medicine; and The Mental Health Association in New York State, Inc.

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