Free Webinar Highlights Changes to Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy for Youth

The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center and the U.S Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs’ Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) have released a recording of an April 2024 webinar highlighting changes coming to Medicaid on January 1, 2025, regarding incarcerated youth.

The panel discussion highlights expanded opportunities for coverage created through the SUPPORT Act, the 2022 Omnibus Appropriations Bill, and the 2023 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services guidance encouraging states to apply for Section 1115 waivers to expand access to health coverage and care for people leaving incarceration. Panelists discussed their processes, strategic thinking, planning, and implementation work to meet Medicaid requirements for screening, referrals, and case management and eligibility and enrollment requirements under the SUPPORT Act. They conclude with lessons learned on expanding health coverage for young people that informs planning for broader adult reentry populations. The focus of the discussion is the opportunity for adult corrections administrators to support young adults ages 18–21, and up to 26 for those involved in the foster care system.