Madison – Senator Sarah Keyeski (D-Lodi) recently introduced LRB-3519/1, a bipartisan bill that would offer a way to reduce state and local healthcare costs for individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) who are already eligible for Medicaid and are incarcerated in state prisons or county jails. At the same time, LRB-3519/1 would enhance access to care after release for a population that is often affected by the current overdose epidemic.
This bill requires the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to submit a request for a waiver of federal Medicaid law to provide prerelease coverage to incarcerated individuals up to 90 days pre-release for case management services, medication-assisted treatment for all types of substance use disorders, and a 30-day supply of prescription medications. This opportunity aims to support a smoother adjustment from incarceration to the community by starting or continuing treatment during incarceration and ensuring an easier transition to ongoing care after release.
Senator Keyeski released the following statement:
“When people have access to the care they need to be healthy and well, our communities overall will be healthier, safer, and more successful. If we can initiate treatment for more individuals struggling with substance use disorders while they are incarcerated, we can both improve health outcomes once they are released back into their communities and lower rates of recidivism.
“State and local governments currently carry the full financial burden of health services provided in state prisons and county jails. Through this bill, we could receive reimbursement from the federal government for some of the cost of providing these services to individuals who are already eligible for Medicaid.
“I am proud to co-author this bipartisan bill to help Wisconsinites be healthier, save our communities money, and decrease the number of Wisconsinites involved in the criminal legal system. I am hopeful it will receive a committee hearing and pass the legislature, as I believe this change would be greatly beneficial for us all.
“19 states have already received waivers to run this program, with another 8 states pending. Let’s be the next.”
