Ensuring Timely Access to Medicaid and SSI/SSDI for People with Mental Illness Released from Prison: Four Case Studies
This fact sheet from the Council of State Governments Criminal Justice/Mental Health Consensus Project, in conjunction with the Re-Entry Policy Council, provides an analysis of case studies from four states, identifying common elements of success, highlights from each state, and continuing challenges to state efforts.
Among people in prison with mental illnesses, many are enrolled in (or are eligible for) Supplemental Security Income/Social Security Disability Insurance (SSI/SSDI) and Medicaid to support their medical treatment prior to incarceration, but few are enrolled in these federal benefit or entitlement programs upon release. As a result, their access to medications and treatment—elements typically essential to compliance with conditions of release for people with mental illness—is severely limited, presenting a significant obstacle to their successful transition back to the community.
Dr. Sadique Isahaku has dedicated much of his career to improving education in correctional facilities in Wisconsin.
Read More
Local law enforcement agencies are increasingly encountering unsheltered homelessness and mental health crises. States can help.
Read More
The Wyoming state legislature recently passed a bill that will strengthen behavioral health treatment and programming for people…
Read More
Technical Education Behind Bars Makes a Difference
Dr. Sadique Isahaku has dedicated much of his career to improving education in correctional facilities in Wisconsin.
Read More
When Responding Well Means Responding Together
Local law enforcement agencies are increasingly encountering unsheltered homelessness and mental health crises. States can help.
Read More
Four Ways New Criminal Justice Bill Impacts Wyoming
The Wyoming state legislature recently passed a bill that will strengthen behavioral health treatment and programming for people in the criminal justice system with evidence-based practices and robust quality assurance measures.
Read More
Seven Questions About Reentry Amid COVID Confusion
Corrections leaders are facing unprecedented questions about an already challenging issue.
Read More
Funding Spotlight: New Grants Support Justice & Mental Health Partnerships
The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs is accepting applications…
Read More
Planning to Prevent Relapse? A New Tool Can Help
The period of time immediately following release from prison or jail can…
Read More