County partners launch pilot program for Medicaid services in jail reentry initiative

The Benton County Board of Commissioners held a meeting on April 21, 2025, focusing on critical updates from the Health Services and Community Health Centers. A significant topic discussed was the upcoming proposal for a waiver related to primary care services within the county jail, aimed at enhancing support for individuals reentering the community after incarceration.

During the meeting, officials highlighted plans to apply for grant funding from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to provide essential health services, including behavioral health support and pharmaceutical assistance, for inmates eligible for Medicaid. This initiative is designed to ensure that individuals nearing release—specifically those within 90 days—receive the necessary care to facilitate their transition back into society. The sheriff's department will collaborate on this proposal, which is expected to be presented to the commissioners on May 6.

The funding is intended to establish a pilot program that would begin in January, allowing the county to bill Medicaid for these services. This approach not only aims to improve health outcomes for those leaving the jail but also seeks to generate revenue to sustain these initiatives through Medicaid reimbursements.

In addition to the health services discussion, updates were provided on the coordinated homeless response office. The team emphasized the ongoing efforts and challenges faced in addressing homelessness in the county, indicating a robust agenda for future meetings.

Overall, the meeting underscored Benton County's commitment to enhancing health services for vulnerable populations and addressing homelessness, with plans for further discussions and updates in the coming weeks.