Health Affairs Blog, October 6, 2016. An unusual combination of national programs—the Veteran’s Justice Programs and the Medicare Readmissions Reduction Program—can inform future work to improve the health and well-being of a highly vulnerable population.
"Over 10 million individuals were incarcerated in the United States at some point in 2014. Incarcerated individuals are disproportionately poor, black, and homeless, and suffer from higher rates of mental illness, substance use disorders, and chronic disease than the general public. Most were uninsured prior to 2014. However, in states that have expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), nearly all individuals are presumed to be eligible for Medicaid following release from prison or jail."
