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 MoreLocal law enforcement agencies are increasingly encountering unsheltered homelessness and mental health crises. States can help.
Read MoreThe Wyoming state legislature recently passed a bill that will strengthen behavioral health treatment and programming for people…
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Dr. Sadique Isahaku has dedicated much of his career to improving education in correctional facilities in Wisconsin.
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Local law enforcement agencies are increasingly encountering unsheltered homelessness and mental health crises. States can help.
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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.
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Corrections leaders are facing unprecedented questions about an already challenging issue.
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The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs is accepting applications…
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The period of time immediately following release from prison or jail can…
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