Can Medicaid Improve Former Prisoners’ Health?

Expanding Medicaid can help reduce health care costs, as former inmates with chronic health conditions or substance use disorders may be more likely to receive treatment through Medicaid than through emergency rooms or other costly forms of care. Studies have shown that providing comprehensive health care to former inmates can lead to a reduction in recidivism rates. With bipartisan support, expanding Medicaid to provide coverage has become an attractive option for many states seeking to improve the health of their populations while also reducing costs.