Research shows that there are a disproportionate number of justice involved individuals suffering from chronic illness and/ or mental health and substance abuse disorders. We also know that a majority of the justice-involved individuals are young adults and unemployed or earn an income that is well below the federal poverty line leaving them without the ability to obtain health care. There is now opportunity to enhance collaboration between the criminal justice and healthcare systems. Early estimates indicate a significant number of justice-involved individuals may be eligible for provisions under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), specifically; enrollment in Medicaid or the ability to purchase health care coverage through state health insurance exchanges. Because of the many health care expansion possibilities for this population we are witnessing an unprecedented opportunity to help connect the justice population to healthcare coverage and the associated healthcare services. Federal, state and local criminal justice systems are poised to change the way they do business with the advent of the ACA. It is now possible for millions of low income, justice- involved individuals to obtain healthcare or insurance coverage for their physical and behavioral health needs. This far reaching system change will impact every decision point in the criminal justice system from arrest to individuals returning to the community upon release.
This broadcast is meant to inform and increase awareness around this historic healthcare expansion opportunity. The broadcast will highlight promising practices by providing resources and strategies to expand healthcare coverage to justice- involved individuals. During this national discussion and broadcast by the National Institute of Corrections, presenters will:
Establish the relevance of the Affordable Care Act to the criminal justice system and how to leverage opportunities to expand healthcare coverage to justice-involved individuals.
Provide concrete examples for collaboration and system linkages between the criminal justice system and healthcare system.
Provide healthcare enrollment strategies to increase informed decision-making between criminal justice and healthcare stakeholders.
This broadcast is free and available to anyone. The following groups are especially encouraged to participate:
Criminal Justice and Corrections Leadership
Law enforcement, jails, pretrial
Courts (judges, prosecutor/defense)
Community supervision (local, state, tribal and federal probation)
Prison, reentry and parole
Criminal Justice/Community Health Care Providers
National Correctional Associations (ACA, APPA, NJA, NCCHC, etc.)
Federal Agency Stakeholders
Healthcare Coalitions
Re-Entry Coordinators and Collaborates
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