The Maryland Department of Health has received federal approval to provide pre-release substance use disorder and mental health treatment to incarcerated individuals through Medicaid.
The department announced that it had received approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on Wednesday. The move allows the state to begin providing "targeted Medicaid services for incarcerated individuals who have substance use disorders (SUD) or serious mental illnesses (SMI)," according to the news release. The department will begin providing services in July.
“The approvals represent a significant step forward in advancing health equity and access to care for Marylanders,” said Maryland Secretary of Health Dr. Laura Herrera Scott. “By expanding Medicaid coverage through these two initiatives, we can address social determinants of health such as housing stability and behavioral health, ensuring individuals have the support they need to thrive in their communities.”
The federal approval allows the department to provide services through Medicaid in state prisons and state-run detention facilities in Baltimore as early as 90 days before an individual is released.
It's estimated that nearly 70% of incarcerated individuals in Maryland have SUDs. In addition, an estimated 39% have mental health disorders.
The announcement came as Baltimore experiences the highest overdose rate of any major city in the U.S. Studies have shown that individuals released from jails or prisons are significantly more likely to die of fatal overdoses.
Beginning in July, the state will be able to provide case management services and medication-assisted treatment for SUD. Counseling and medications may also be provided for up to 30 days post-release.
“Marylanders with behavioral health needs often face significant challenges related to housing instability and access to care and are disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system,” said Deputy Secretary of Health and Medicaid Director Ryan Moran. “These initiatives aim to break that cycle by addressing the root cause of these disparities and ensuring individuals receive the support they need to lead healthier lives.”
In addition to the approval for the services pertaining to SUD and mental health diagnoses, the department received federal approval for its Assistance in Community Integration Services program.
That approval will allow the state to add 1,240 participants to its program providing housing and tenancy-based case management services, specifically for those experiencing housing instability and have chronic diseases or repeated emergency room visits.
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