Why is it so important to help individuals apply for public benefits prior to release from prison and jail whenever possible?
Lack of health insurance is a significant problem for individuals after their release. A large study of 650 men returning from prison found that 78 percent of newly released individuals had no public or private health insurance two to three months after community reentry, and 68 percent still had no insurance by eight to 10 months after reentry.43 The failure to identify eligible applicants or reinstate Medicaid benefits before release leaves a medically and psychiatrically vulnerable population uninsured during the months following release. This critical period is associated with an increased risk of medical problems, re-arrest, and death.44 In addition, failure to facilitate Medicaid and other federal and state benefits can result in more costly care over the long term.
Related Questions
- The registered owner of the vehicle is in jail/prison and wants to release the vehicle and/or property located in the vehicle to me. What should I do?
- Why is it important to screen and assess for mental health and substance use disorders at jail and prison intake and at release?
- Will institutions be able to review sections of the report pertinent to their institution prior to it public release?
