Good Health News in California: Medi-Cal Enrollment Before Individuals Leave Prison

Hosts Gerardo and Barbara discuss a recent expansion of Medi-Cal enrollment for those leaving prison and the importance of ensuring health and reentry services. Ninety-five percent of those in prisons today eventually will be released so it's important to assist these individuals with job training and health care linkages for a better transition back into our communities. Reentry programs and particularly community health workers have been incredibly effective in helping those transitioning from prison back into our communities.

According to the article by CalMatters this Medi-Cal expansion will provide incarcerated people with a variety of health issues, including chronic conditions, mental illness, substance use disorders, disabilities, or who are pregnant will be eligible to receive assessment and treatment up to 90 days before release. These health care services will help facilitate a smooth reentry process and reduce costly emergency room visits and hospital stays.

HealthCare UnTold applauds California efforts to support our brothers and sisters health and welfare as they transition back to their families and communities.

Medi-Cal eligibility will expand to include inmates - CalMatters