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.
Our mission hasn’t changed; it’s become more essential. The following 2025 accomplishments are a testament to that enduring…
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From new laws and reentry councils to increased funding and lowered barriers, these wins highlight collaboration, creativity, and…
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How Kentucky’s “Seth’s Law” Reduces Barriers to Care for Competency to Stand Trial and Guardianship
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2025 in Review: Justice Data and Solutions for State and Local Leaders Amid Federal Change
Our mission hasn’t changed; it’s become more essential. The following 2025 accomplishments are a testament to that enduring focus.
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25 Reentry Wins in 2025: How States Are Removing Barriers to Reentry Success
From new laws and reentry councils to increased funding and lowered barriers, these wins highlight collaboration, creativity, and innovation across our Reentry 2030 network.
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Job Training in Prison: Reentry 2030 States Explore Innovative Models and Partnerships
State leaders gathered for the fourth session of the Reentry 2030 Workforce Development Peer Learning Cohort.
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Getting the Right Response When Every Crisis Is Different: 4 States Share Lessons on Building Coordinated Crisis Systems
New Jersey, Utah, Virginia, and Washington discuss their different "Aligning Health and Safety" approaches and some of the challenges they’ve experienced.
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DOJ and DOL Announce $155.5M in Federal Funding Opportunities for Reentry, Community Supervision, Behavioral Health, Youth, and Incarcerated Parents
Application deadlines range from March 19–April 6, 2026.
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