Federal Benefits Chart
Medicaid Overview
Medicaid is a joint state- and federally funded program that provides health insurance to certain low-income individuals and families who fit into an eligibility group recognized by federal and state law.
Key Decision Points
- 1 calendar month of incarceration = benefits may be suspended or terminated, depending on state statute
- 12 calendar months of incarceration = benefits may be terminated if previously suspended, depending on state statute
- 3 months prior to release = new Medicaid application begun; may begin applications later or earlier depending on agreements with agencies overseeing the benefit
Federal Funding Agency
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Relevant State/Local Agency, Office, and Contacts
Use the space below to write notes about which state/local agency or office oversees this benefit in your area and any related contacts. You can print this page for your records or log in to save your response for future reference.
Features
Medicaid funds medical and psychiatric treatment and certain supportive services. Medicaid is a joint state-federal program, so the rules and regulations vary tremendously from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Generally, states and the federal government share the costs for Medicaid.
Eligibility
- Income
- Health
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) outlines certain mandatory eligibility groups to whom the state agencies overseeing Medicaid must provide coverage to receive federal matching funds to operate the Medicaid program. These groups include individuals with disabilities and children in households that meet income requirements. However, states may exercise some discretion in determining both the documentation required to substantiate mandatory eligibility and the income thresholds for receiving benefits.
Potential Limitations
See special topic: "How Incarceration Affects Medicaid and SSI/SSDI Eligibility" for more information on the effect of incarceration on benefit eligibility for individuals who were already enrolled in benefit programs prior to entering jail or prison.
Examples
The Nathaniel Project (N.Y.), operated by the Center for Alternative Sentencing and Employment Services (CASES), provides intensive case management, including court advocacy, prerelease planning, and postrelease supervision and treatment, for felony offenders with serious mental illnesses. The project was initially funded by seed money from the New York City Council and several private philanthropic foundations. To access sustainable funding, the project made adjustments to its staffing model and some internal policies so that it could be licensed by the state Office of Mental Health as a Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team. This license allows the Nathaniel Project to bill Medicaid for services, though there are limitations on the variety of programs to which it can refer clients.
The Justice Center does not endorse or promote any particular program.