Commission approves MOU to let insurer help enroll inmates in health coverage; county says program is optional for inmates

The Jackson County Commission on Aug. 11 approved a memorandum of understanding with Health Care Insurance Services to allow the company to help incarcerated individuals complete applications for Affordable Care Act coverage while in the county jail.

A county official described the program as free to the county and said the company will provide the software and hardware, a four-minute informational video and staff training; jail personnel would help inmates complete a short form. The presenter said the program is voluntary for inmates and could produce reduced out-of-pocket medical costs for the county by securing insurance coverage prior to release. The presenter added that other jails of similar size have reported savings that can amount to "several hundreds [of] thousands of dollars," a figure the company provided.

Commissioners asked whether the coverage would be primary or secondary to existing plans; county staff said the company's enrollment would likely become the primary insurance for those enrolled after release, and county medical contractors would remain primary for in-custody emergency care until release or conviction leads to state custody. The presenter noted that if an inmate is later convicted and transferred to state custody, the state system will assume medical coverage responsibilities.

A motion to approve the MOU between Jackson County, the Sheriff's Office and Health Care Insurance Services carried on a voice vote. Commissioners asked staff to bring back any final implementation details and to confirm that disbursements and eligibility steps would follow applicable rules.