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Sheriffs warn partner funding cuts and Medicaid-waiver delays could weaken reentry programs
Summary
Sheriffs told the commission that federal and state funding uncertainty, pending cuts to community providers and delays in Medicaid waiver reimbursements threaten the financial stability of reentry programs and county budgets.
Sheriffs warned the commission that anticipated federal and state funding cuts and delays in Medicaid reimbursement for pre-release services could reduce the capacity of reentry programs, and asked the commission to track potential service losses among community partners.
A sheriff described the MIEP reentry demonstration tied to a Medicaid waiver that permits reimbursement for Medicaid-eligible incarcerated individuals up to 90 days before release; the speaker said Massachusetts was approved but that the Commonwealth "is dragging its feet" on implementation.
Commission members raised concerns about cuts to community providers such as Roca and UTEC, asking sheriffs whether partner services may be reduced and requesting a spreadsheet of likely cuts and service impacts so the commission can assess downstream effects on county programs.
Sheriffs also recounted a history of prior studies and funding reviews — including a 2016 funding-formula study and earlier special commissions — and said several offices remain underfunded despite prior findings. They asked the commission to consider payment models for county-provided services that supplement municipal policing and victim-response work.
Ending: The commission asked sheriffs to provide a catalog of partner organizations, program types and funding sources so staff can analyze vulnerabilities and potential mitigation options.
