November 8, 2024
Dear Colleague:
In the wake of the recent election, we know many are asking what this new chapter means for Medicaid in corrections. I want to reassure you that while the political landscape may shift, our momentum in driving Medicaid reforms in carceral settings remains strong and, if anything, will only deepen its bipartisan and stakeholder roots.
It’s important to remember that some key figures in the current legislative environment are already champions of change. Vice-President-elect JD Vance, for example, served as an originating cosponsor of both the Reentry Act, which would authorize Medicaid services during the crucial 30 days before release, and the Due Process and Continuity of Care Act, aimed at enabling states to maintain Medicaid coverage for pretrial populations. These legislative efforts demonstrate a growing recognition of the importance of healthcare continuity for those involved in the justice system—a critical step toward a more equitable healthcare landscape.
Our coalition reflects this broad support. Through partnerships with agencies such as the National Association of Counties, National Sheriffs Association, Legal Action Center, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness, we’re showing that this issue transcends partisan lines. The breadth and diversity of these alliances emphasize that Medicaid’s role in supporting justice-involved individuals isn’t just a cause; it’s a commitment shared by stakeholders nationwide.
Let’s also remember that any of these initiatives requires states to develop the strong regulatory frameworks necessary to oversee healthcare in jails and prisons effectively. If the need for such structures was apparent last week, it remains just as urgent as we look toward the future.
Finally, I want to highlight the importance of past bipartisan milestones. The Support Act, passed during the previous Trump administration, served as the catalyst for CMS's 1115 guidance, laying the groundwork for Medicaid’s expansion in carceral settings. This legacy reminds us that our work is built on a foundation of cross-party and cross-sector collaboration—a foundation we will continue to strengthen.
Thank you for your unwavering support, and let’s keep building on our shared mission in the years to come.
Sincerely,
Daniel Mistak
Community Oriented Correctional Health Services