New Mexico Health Care Authority’s Post

North Carolina is expanding the use of Medicaid to support justice-involved individuals before their release from prison or jail. Under a new waiver, Medicaid will now provide health services, including medical care, behavioral health treatments, and substance use support, up to 90 days before release. This marks a significant shift, as federal Medicaid funds have historically been barred from covering incarcerated individuals except in specific cases. With the recent Medicaid expansion in North Carolina, more individuals leaving the criminal justice system will have access to continuous care, reducing health care disruptions and supporting a smoother transition back into the community. This initiative aims to improve health outcomes, reduce recidivism, and ensure that justice-involved individuals have the medical support they need upon reentry. It's a crucial step toward health equity and reform in the criminal justice system. Read the full article on this link: https://lnkd.in/geY97jmf #MedicaidExpansion #CriminalJusticeReform #HealthcareAccess #NCMedicaid #HealthEquity #ReentrySuccess #PublicHealth

🔍 Did you know that Medicaid programs are now focusing on covering individuals leaving the justice system? NAMD is closely monitoring these efforts to improve health outcomes for those re-entering their communities. According to Hannah Maniates, senior policy analyst at the National Association of Medicaid Directors, states are testing how providing coverage during the re-entry period could lead to better continuity of care and reduce rates of overdose, mortality, and suicide. Learn more about how states are expanding Medicaid to support individuals pre-release: https://hubs.la/Q02K5CmZ0

Minnesota is in the grips of a worsening mental health care crisis, and recent decisions by lawmakers are set to exacerbate the situation. Despite a growing need for mental health treatment programs across the state, crucial funding has been slashed, leaving patients and providers stranded in a system on the brink of collapse. 🔍 Background: Recent legislative decisions have cut portions of a bill that would have significantly increased funding for mental health treatment programs. These programs rely heavily on reimbursements from medical assistance programs, such as Medicaid, but the reimbursement rates set by the state legislature are far below market demands, as highlighted in a recent study by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). 📉 Impact of Funding Cuts: Providers, already stretched thin, are being forced to scale back or shut down entirely due to low reimbursement rates and staff shortages. On average, there's a nearly 40% gap between the cost of providing care and the reimbursement received. Despite proposed reforms to address this gap, recent decisions have stalled progress, leaving the system in dire straits. 💔 Voices from the Frontline: Patient advocates and providers are sounding the alarm, warning that the most vulnerable individuals in the system will bear the brunt of these cutbacks. Families like Pat and Karen's are struggling to find adequate care for their daughter, facing long waitlists, lack of available beds, and insurance coverage barriers. 🗣️ Calls for Action: Advocates are urging lawmakers to reconsider their decisions and prioritize funding for mental health programs. Without adequate support, the system will remain stuck in crisis mode, leaving patients and families in despair. Minnesota's mental health care system is in desperate need of reform and investment. It's time for lawmakers to step up and ensure that essential services are adequately funded to meet the growing demand. The time to act is now, before more lives are lost to this preventable crisis. #MinnesotaMentalHealthCrisis #FundMentalHealthCare https://lnkd.in/ekQmMeyj

Positive impacts on Health Equity, State budgets and crime rates are possible with small changes to Medicaid. Care for incarcerated individuals is needlessly expensive, people of color are disproportionately impacted and for many in "the system" their best option for care is to be returned to prison. Throughout my career, I've had a couple of opportunities to work at the intersection of healthcare and the criminal justice system. It's always been eye opening. Historically, those who are incarcerated loose Medicaid coverage. In most states, they do not automatically get coverage back upon release. Reinstatement can take years. Imagine having diabetes or a mental health condition, being stable on treatment and being told that you will have no access to regular medical care or medication upon your release. I'm pleased to see that change is happening. If you are in the Medicaid business, think about how you can support increased coverage and care transitions.

A Congressional crack in the Medicaid IMD exclusion for SUD up to 30 days while professional advocates continue the decades long debate of either hospitalization or community services instead of both/and. Article provides interesting history of this important policy debate. #delicatebalance

See our latest update on how states are using Medicaid waivers to support reentry and improve health outcomes for individuals leaving incarceration.

What is your organization focusing on at this time? What keeps your Population Health Director up at night? We have an output and a report based on all facets of data to help you sleep better at night. DM me for a chat.

Explainer: How States Are Using Medicaid Waivers to Help Incarcerated Individuals Get Care and Transition Back into Their Communities https://lnkd.in/gHkZwTqd

Our #HopkinsACG System is able to support countless unique use cases, allowing users to provide better outcomes and lower health care costs for any population. Explore this week's blog post for a comprehensive case study highlighting one of these distinctive use cases. Patient Sortal #populationhealth https://lnkd.in/edvckXw2

It's time to increase Medicaid spending for behavioral health. The Medicaid Bump Act, recently introduced in both the U.S. Senate and Congress, could be a game changer. It aims to incentivize states to boost spending on behavioral health beyond pre-pandemic levels by establishing an enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage rate of 90% for mental health and SUD treatment. The act has been supported by the American Psychological Association, The Kennedy Forum, NAMI, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and the National Association for Behavioral Healthcare, among others. As we applaud the efforts of the bipartisan coalition championing this initiative, it's essential to recognize the inherent challenges they face. Navigating the complex landscape of legislative processes and securing sufficient funding are formidable tasks. While the path forward may not be without obstacles, it's crucial to remain steadfast in our advocacy. By acknowledging these challenges and working collaboratively to address them, we can pave the way for meaningful change. Read the whole article here: https://lnkd.in/epGHfT-A #MentalHealthMatters #MedicaidBumpAct #BehavioralHealth #PolicyChange #HealthcareReform #AccessToCare #Advocacy #BipartisanSupport